Science Sub-Journal: "Initialize" the pancreas may make chemotherapy more effective

A new method of "initializing" the tumor environment may improve the efficacy of chemotherapy for pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma, one of the most aggressive types of pancreatic cancer

In a preclinical model, a team from the Garvan Institute of Medical Research can increase the tumor's response to chemotherapy by reducing the stiffness and density of interstitial connective tissue, and reduce the spread of cancer by 50%

This study paved the way for a clinical trial that will evaluate whether this treatment is effective in patients with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma

"By making cancer cells more sensitive to chemotherapy, we hope to improve the survival rate of pancreatic cancer patients," said Professor Paul Timpson, the head of cancer research at the Garvan Institute and the results of the study published in the journal Science Advances.

A new approach to the deadliest cancer

Pancreatic adenocarcinoma is an aggressive pancreatic cancer, is one of the most deadly cancers worldwide

The first author of the paper, Dr.

Researchers conducted research on FAK

Dr.

"By pretreating the tumor with FAK inhibitors, we changed the hardness, number, and deposition of the stromal tissue around the cancer cells

A way to decide who will benefit the most

The researchers also found that the levels of another protein called Merlin in pancreatic cancer cells may help determine who would benefit most from FAK targeting

"Merlin different levels in the body is a protein produced by patients with pancreatic cancer

"We hope that by identifying which tumors produce less Merlin, we will be able to determine which patients may benefit the most from our new combination approach

The results of the study will be studied as part of a new clinical trial conducted in collaboration with Melbourne Amplia Therapeutics Limited (Amplia Therapeutics Limited).

"For Amplia, it is exciting to be able to use Garvan’s extensive experience in FAK biology, cancer biology, and clinical expertise

Professor Timpson added: “The survival rate of patients with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma is depressing and has remained basically unchanged for decades

Science Advances

DOI

10.
1126/sciadv.
abh0363