TUM has identified a previously unknown mechanism of pancreatic cancer

An international research group led by chief physician Dr. Hana Alguel of the Second Medical Clinic of the Klinikum rechts der Isar, TUM has identified a previously unknown mechanism by which pancreatic cancer. This mechanism could provide a novel therapy of previously classified as incurable disease.

Pancreatic cancer (pancreatic cancer) is still one of the most hazardous types of cancer. Almost all of the diseased pancreatic cancer patients die of this tumor. This is partly because the disease often is diagnosed at an advanced stage. Second, specific medications currently lacking to effectively fight against pancreatic cancer.

Prerequisite for the development of appropriate drugs is to understand the basic mechanisms of carcinogenesis in the pancreas. Although an accumulation of immune cells, known as the immune cells in the tumor tissue of patients with pancreatic cancer was known, their influence was restricted to the cancer initially unclear.

The research group led by PD Dr. Alguel could now demonstrate against all previous expectations, and to the amazement of the experts the first time that inhibits the innate immune system promotes the progression of the disease and not as expected. Immune cells that migrate into the diseased organ give, via the release of inflammatory chemical substance interleukin-6, the growth of tumor cells in the pancreas. In addition, the scientists were able to demonstrate exercises over which the target molecule of messenger its fatal influence on the development of cancer. Their work was supported by the German Cancer Aid.

Interestingly, drugs that inhibit these neurotransmitter or its respective target molecule, currently available and are used in rheumatic diseases among others. Given the little available treatment options for pancreatic cancer, the researchers hope the Second Medical Clinic at Klinikum rechts der Isar, that through the new knowledge they are already known drugs in the treatment of pancreatic cancer are used. Before this off-label use, however, have yet to pre-clinical studies are conducted.

Source: Technical University Munich