Pancreatic cancer is one of the most dangerous types of cancer, and a specific form called pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is the most common and aggressive type. Sadly, survival rates are very low. Only about 8 out of 100 people diagnosed with this disease live for more than five years.
Doctors and scientists have been searching for better treatments for years. Now, researchers at the Francis Crick Institute have made an important discovery that could bring hope. Their study focused on a special type of cell found in pancreatic tumors, which may be key to stopping the disease from spreading.
These cells are known as cancer stem cells. In a healthy body, stem cells help repair damaged tissues by creating new cells. But in cancer, these stem cells create more cancer cells, allowing the tumor to grow and spread. This makes cancer stem cells very dangerous and difficult to treat.
The research team, led by Axel Behrens, wanted to understand these cancer stem cells better. They discovered a special protein called CD9 on the surface of these cells. CD9 was found in tumors from the early stages of the disease and remained present as the cancer grew.
CD9 acts like a flag that marks these aggressive cancer cells. But it does more than just mark them—it actually helps the cancer stem cells grow and spread. When the researchers experimented with reducing CD9 levels in cancer cells in mice, the tumors became smaller. When they increased CD9 levels, the tumors grew larger and faster.
The scientists also looked at data from real pancreatic cancer patients. They found that about 10% of patients had higher levels of CD9, and these patients had a worse chance of survival.
To understand why CD9 makes the cancer cells more aggressive, the researchers studied how these cells get their energy. They found that CD9 helps cancer cells absorb more glutamine, a type of nutrient that cells use for fuel. The more glutamine the cancer stem cells take in, the faster they grow.
This discovery is exciting because it opens up a new way to fight pancreatic cancer. If doctors can develop treatments that block CD9, they might be able to cut off the cancer’s energy supply. Without enough fuel, the cancer cells wouldn’t be able to grow and spread as quickly.
Although it will take time to turn this research into an actual treatment, it is a major step forward. Finding ways to stop cancer stem cells could make a big difference in how pancreatic cancer is treated. If scientists succeed, this could bring new hope to patients and their families and even save lives in the future.
The path from research to treatment is long and difficult, but every new discovery brings us closer to finding a cure for this devastating disease.
If you care about cancer, please read studies about supplement that may increase cancer risk, and can vitamin D help prevent or treat cancer?
For more information about health, please see recent studies about how drinking milk affects the risks of heart disease and cancer and results showing berry that can prevent cancer, diabetes, and obesity.
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