Pancreatic cancer's growth and spread are fueled by its ability to inactivate key molecules within the HNF4A gene.
Pancreatic cancer is one of the deadliest cancers. It claims the lives of more than half a million people every year and has the lowest survival rates of any major malignancy. The US and UK scientists have identified a key genetic flaw in pancreatic cancer that could lead to the development of a cure for this deadly disease.
Dr. Maria Hatziapostolou, a researcher at Nottingham Trent University’s John van Geest Cancer Research Centre, highlighted the urgent need for a renewed focus on understanding how pancreatic cancer spreads. The persistently low survival rate for this aggressive disease prompted this new study to decode the underlying cause behind its fast spread. , pancreatic cancer’s growth and spread are fueled by its ability to inactivate key molecules within the HNF4A gene.
The disruption hinders the gene’s ability to control cell growth, thereby, promoting the spread of the disease. This gene-shutting process is known as DNA methylation. “This work, which has provided new understanding and knowledge of how cancer behaves, will hopefully help pave the way for potential new treatments in the future.”A major hurdle in fighting pancreatic cancer is the frequent diagnosis at an advanced stage when treatment options are more restricted. Over half of patients don’t survive beyond three months of diagnosis, according to experts.
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