Pancreatic cancer breakthrough: As scientists find a cure in mouse study, doctor explains why the cancer is so deadly

Pancreatic cancer is one of the deadliest cancers on earth, not because it’s super common but because it sneaks up on you and hits hard.

Pancreatic cancer cure by Spanish scientists

Recently researchers in Spain used a new combination of drugs in mice and saw tumours completely disappear without major side effects. That’s huge in the research world. The findings of the study in the journal PNAS (Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences).

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) has one of the lowest cancer survival rates, the researchers have said. They used a combination therapy which led to significant regression of genetically engineered mouse tumors as well as patient-derived tumor xenografts (PDX) in the absence of tumor relapses. Of importance, this combination therapy was well tolerated.

In sum, these results should guide the development of new clinical trials that may benefit PDAC patients, they have said.

Globally, pancreatic cancer is only the twelfth most common cancer, as per the IARC, yet it’s one of the leading causes of cancer deaths, killing nearly as many people as those diagnosed each year. In 2022, more than 500,000 people were diagnosed worldwide and almost 470,000 died from it, that’s almost as many deaths as cases, which tells you how lethal it can be.

And in India it’s a bit similar. The incidence here is lower than in many Western countries, with figures ranging between roughly 0.2 to 2.4 cases per 100,000 people per year, depending on gender and region. But because India has such a large population, the absolute number of people affected still runs into the tens of thousands annually. What’s consistent everywhere is that survival rates remain low, largely because the cancer is usually found in late stages when it’s already spread and tough to treat.

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Pancreatic cancer is often diagnosed at a later stage because the pancreas is located deep in the abdomen. The early stages of pancreatic cancer present with vague symptoms that can be attributed to things other than cancer but could lead to a diagnosis of pancreatic cancer if a patient seeks medical attention, Dr. Arun Kumar Goel, Chairman - Surgical Oncology, Andromeda Cancer Hospital Sonipat told TOI Health.

The doctor said, The term silent is used to refer to the cancer of the pancreas due to the late onset and vagueness of its symptoms. As early-stage pancreatic cancer symptoms resemble common digestive problems, there may not be any distinct indications that something is wrong with your body. For this reason, most people overlook the different symptoms of pancreatic cancer; therefore, pancreatic cancer is not truly without symptoms.

Pancreatic cancer: Symptoms and who is at risk Dr Arun says, mild abdominal pain is one sign of pancreatic cancer; there are other signs and symptoms that could be indicative of a more serious condition. Unexplained weight loss, loss of appetite, early fullness, fatigue, change in bowel habits, or onset diabetes after age 50 can all be signs that may indicate pancreatic cancer. Though these symptoms don’t necessarily indicate pancreatic cancer, if they become worse or persist for any length of time, patients should not ignore them.

He further adds that smokers, those with chronic pancreatitis, diabetes (particularly after age 50), individuals who are overweight or obese, individuals who drink excessive amounts of alcohol, individuals with a family history of pancreatic cancer and/or genetic mutations, and older adults (particularly age 60 or older are at higher risk of pancreatic cancer.

Medical experts consulted

This article includes expert inputs shared with TOI Health by:

Dr. Arun Kumar Goel, Chairman - Surgical Oncology, Andromeda Cancer Hospital Sonipat

Inputs were used to explain pancreatic cancer, its symptoms and the risk category.

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