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More research needed Mortality rates for pancreatic cancer are rising dramatically
In Germany, more and more cases of pancreatic cancer are registered. This form of cancer often runs long symptomless and is therefore often discovered too late. The mortality rates are very high. On the occasion of World Pancreas Day on November 17, experts point out the need for more research.
Almost all sufferers die from this tumor
Cancer of the pancreas is usually extremely aggressive. According to figures from the Robert Koch Institute (RKI), approximately 16,700 people worldwide contracted pancreatic cancer in 2011. Due to the unfavorable prognosis, almost as many people died from this tumor. Since pancreatic cancer is usually asymptomatic in the beginning, it is often diagnosed late. If the classic symptoms such as abdominal pain, loss of appetite, diarrhea, nausea and vomiting occur, in many cases no treatment success can be achieved.
Pancreatic cancer is usually extremely aggressive. Much of the patient dies from the tumors. This cancer is often discovered late, because initially it usually runs asymptomatic. (Image: yodiyim / fotolia.com) Mortality rates for pancreatic cancer are rising
While advances in prevention, screening and therapy have reduced mortality rates in most other cancers, they continue to rise in pancreatic cancer, reports the German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) in a World Pancreas Day Communication on 17 November.
"Pancreatic cancer causes no symptoms for a long time and is therefore discovered late. The tumors scatter metastases very early on and, to cap it all, quickly develop resistance to chemotherapy, "explained DKFZ CEO Michael Baumann.
"Therefore, scientists at the DKFZ are searching intensively for the molecular causes of the particular malignancy of this cancer. In this way, they want to identify targets that will allow this dangerous cancer to be combated more effectively in the future. Recently, our colleagues in this field have been able to achieve promising results, "said Baumann.
Tumor growth slowed and metastasis slowed
For example, DKFZ researchers have recently discovered that a receptor for the neurotransmitter dopamine promotes growth and spread of pancreatic cancer. Thus, schizophrenia-mediated drugs that dock onto this receptor and block its function slowed tumor growth in mice and slowed metastasis. Now it should be investigated as quickly as possible whether these drugs also favorably influence the course of the disease in patients with pancreatic cancer.
In addition, experts from the DKFZ found that in pancreatic cells the ability to metastasize is often already developed before a cell has even turned into a cancer cell. Pancreatic cancer cells are, so to speak, malignant from the beginning.
Why some tumors are resistant to treatment
Furthermore, the DKFZ and the Heidelberg stem cell institute HI-STEM are discovering why some tumors of the pancreas are so resistant to treatment. As the scientists reported in the journal "Nature Medicine", a specific enzyme is responsible for the resistance of the tumors.
In addition, the DKFZ and the Heidelberg University Hospital are launching a clinical study at the National Center for Tumor Diseases (NCT) with the aim of testing whether advanced pancreatic cancer can be treated with viruses.
Better treatment options through earlier diagnosis
But other research institutions have also gained new insights in recent years. For example, scientists from London's Queen Mary University reported last year that pancreatic cancer could also be diagnosed with a urine test in the future. Previously, Swedish researchers had reported that they have developed a new screening for this cancer.
In turn, US experts have found that bacteria can help diagnose pancreatic cancer. All the insights that can lead to earlier detection of the disease can improve the treatment options.
The treatment should best be personalized to the patient as it will improve the chances of recovery in pancreatic cancer. (Ad)