#and weight loss. Pancreatic cancer is difficult to diagnose early. If pancreatic cancer is found early

[cancer-specialist-in-pune]

[lustgarten22]

Understanding Pancreatic Cancer Diagnosis and Testing

What cancers cause elevated liver enzymes? Does high alt and ast mean cancer? Pancreatic cancer is one of the most lethal types of cancer, with a five-year survival rate of just 10%. Early detection is key to increasing survival rates, but it is difficult for pancreatic cancer diagnose because symptoms often do not appear until the cancer has already spread. If you are experiencing symptoms such as abdominal pain, weight loss, jaundice, and nausea, it is important to speak with your doctor about the possibility of pancreatic cancer.

One of the first pancreatic cancer test used blood test to check for elevated levels of certain enzymes, including ALT and AST, which are found in the liver. However, high levels of these enzymes do not necessarily indicate the presence of cancer. Other tests may be necessary to confirm a diagnosis.

One of the most common diagnostic tools for pancreatic cancer is imaging tests, including computed tomography (CT) scans, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and positron emission tomography (PET) scans. These tests can provide detailed images of the pancreas and surrounding tissues, allowing doctors to identify any tumors or abnormalities.

A biopsy may also be necessary to confirm a diagnosis of pancreatic cancer. During a biopsy, a small sample of tissue is removed from the pancreas and examined under a microscope. This can help doctors determine the type and stage of cancer, as well as the best course of treatment.

If you are concerned about pancreatic cancer, it is important to speak with your doctor about your symptoms and any tests or procedures that may be necessary. Early detection and treatment can improve your chances of survival and quality of life.

[goldiers1]

Men at risk for Pancreatic Cancer: Know the signs.

  A new survey commissioned by the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network (PanCAN) has found that 83% of US adults are unaware of the signs or symptoms of pancreatic cancer. Pancreatic Cancer is one of the deadliest diseases that has no standard early detection test and limited treatment options. As the third leading cause of cancer-related death in the United States the problem is serious and sadly getting worse. Pancreatic Cancer is expected to the second spot in the next few years due largely to a lack of knowledge with the public at large. One important finding of the report highlighted the fact that older adults who are at the highest risk are even less likely to know about the early signs/symptoms. As much as 90% of some age brackets were unaware of even the basic symptoms.  

Diagram showing pancreatic cancer that has spread. Diagram by Cancer Research UK. WikiMedia.  

How serious is this problem?

The five-year survival rate is just 11%. The disease is typically diagnosed late on in patients and has spread to ther organs. This makes early treatment even more critical as life saving surgery can still be an option. With no standard early detection test, it is important to recognize the common signs and symptoms, especially for those individuals with a family history and other risk factors of the disease. This may lead to earlier diagnosis, providing more treatment options such as surgery. The survey was conducted in October 2022 by an independent research company. They interviewed over 1,000 people to determine if U.S. adults were aware of the signs and symptoms. Another key finding was that fewer than half identified the most common symptoms of pancreatic cancer— abdominal or back pain, weight loss/loss of appetite, and digestive problems. Today is World Pancreatic Cancer Day, November 17, and PanCAN is attempting to spread the word and help educate the public about these and other common symptoms such as jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes), a change in stool (oily or watery) and new onset diabetes. PanCAN have provided a simple one page conversation guide which is certainly worth downloading. Julie Fleshman, JD, MBA, president and CEO of PanCAN said, "Pancreatic cancer symptoms are vague and can be confused with many other abdominal or gastrointestinal issues. Understanding these symptoms along with certain risk factors and your own family history can provide confidence. We know it can be difficult speaking to your doctor about pancreatic cancer, so we want to empower everyone to be their best health advocate with this new tool."  

Medical students researching possible cancer treatments. Photo by NCI, Unsplash.  

Long term investment in research.

PanCAN leads the way in accelerating progress for this disease by funding leading-edge research that is getting us closer to new discoveries. In the past two decades, PanCAN has invested $174 million in clinical research. This past year alone, PanCAN awarded more than $10.5 million in grants as part of the largest-ever, single year total research investment of $25 million. The overall research investment includes funding more than 200 grants cumulatively to scientists across the country and large-scale research initiatives such as PanCAN's Precision Promise��� clinical trial, which seeks to accelerate the approval of new treatment options for pancreatic cancer patients and PanCAN's Early Detection Initiative, with a goal of developing a strategy to diagnose pancreatic cancer early when surgery is still possible.  

We waged hope and ran a 5k for pancreatic cancer today. Photo by Amy Jane Mitchell. Flickr.  

What can you do to get involved?

People can support the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network by visiting pancan.org. They can also participate in a free, virtual event today, on World Pancreatic Cancer Day (Nov. 17), when survivors, caregivers, and researchers will bring to life some of the incredible stories about the impact pancreatic cancer research and PanCAN has made on their lives. You can also register for free today at PanCAN.    

More about the Symptoms:

The following is a more detailed breakdown of warning signs that may indicate the presence of pancreatic cancer: 1. Jaundice: This is when the skin and whites of the eyes take on a yellowish hue. It can be a sign that the pancreas is not functioning properly. 2. Abdominal pain: Pancreatic cancer can cause pain in the abdomen or back. This pain is often described as a dull ache that gets worse over time. 3. Weight loss: Cancer cells can cause weight loss by interfering with the body’s ability to absorb nutrients from food. This can lead to fatigue and weakness. 4. Nausea and vomiting: Pancreatic cancer can cause digestive problems. It may also damage the nerves that tell the brain about sickness, causing nausea or vomiting. 5. Jaundice: The yellowing of the skin and eyes is a sign of jaundice. 6. Numbness or tingling: Some people with pancreatic cancer have numbness in their hands and feet. 7. Painless jaundice: Pancreatic cancer can cause yellowing of the skin and eyes, but without any other symptoms. 8. Weight loss: This is one of the most common symptoms of pancreatic cancer. In some cases, it can be mild. 9. Swollen abdomen: A swollen abdomen can be caused by a buildup of fluid in the abdomen (ascites). It can also be caused by a tumor. 10. Back pain: This symptom is sometimes caused by a tumor in the pancreas pressing against the spinal cord, nerves, or other nearby organs. It can also be caused by cancer spreading elsewhere in the body. 11. Fever: This symptom is usually caused by cancer spreading elsewhere in the body. 12. Nausea and vomiting: These symptoms are usually caused by cancer that has spread to nearby organs, such as the liver or stomach.  

  About the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network.

The Pancreatic Cancer Action Network (PanCAN) leads the way in accelerating critical progress for pancreatic cancer patients. PanCAN takes bold action by funding life-saving research, providing personalized patient services and creating a community of supporters and volunteers who will stop at nothing to create a world in which all pancreatic cancer patients will thrive. If you experience and or a combination then it is worth speaking to your doctor as soon as possible. All medical information provided in this article is from established sources but we are only reporting the news and you should take professional advice if you have concerns.   Sources: Mayo Clinic, THX News & Pancreatic Cancer Action Network. Read the full article

[nuclear-medicine-au]

Further Genetic Alterations May Lead to Different Changes

Despite so much progress made on cancer, pancreatic remains the toughest cancer to beat and still counting for about all cancer death of those who have survive for years after diagnosis. The disease can be insidious because it has few early symptoms and can therefore be difficult to diagnose and the pancreas sits behind stomach and in front of the spine and produces digestive juices. This includes enzymes and hormones to help the body break down and store food, though its causes aren’t yet known because the pancreatic cancer occurs more often in people who are obese or overweight. Smoking and drinking alcohol in excess are one of many reason and according to pathologists, most cases of pancreatic cancer fall into one of two types. A cells undergo genetic changes that cause the abnormal cells to grow faster is the rare form with tumors such as pancreatic neuroendocrine tumor which is about small percent of all cases for ultrasound Gold Coast often the less aggressive form of the disease. A cancer that begins in secretory glandular cells are found in tissue that lines certain internal organs and makes and releases substances in the body fluids. It attacks the glands that secrete substances onto an epithelial surface by way of a ductal cells in the pancreas and when pancreatic cancer spread it typical sites include the liver, peritoneum and lung. 

Most pancreatic cancer is ductal that begins in glandular and the most aggressive form of the disease to early pancreatic cancer with few symptoms, the disease is often not diagnosed until the later stages. That is one reason the mortality rate is so high advantage pancreatic cancer can cause weight loss, digestive symptoms, abdominal pain and jaundice and if a doctor suspects that a person might have pancreatic cancer. Because of what’s discovered when a patient had other medical tests or because of symptoms with a series of medical tests will be performed. Those may include imaging procedures such as computerized tomography scan, magnetic resonance imaging and endoscopic ultrasound Gold Coast along with an endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography and biopsy. To obtain the tissue samples of medical pathology provides rapid onsite evaluation for patients having a biopsy for suspected pancreatic cancer. That means the ultrasound of pathologist is present to perform immediate analysis of the tissue sample or samples as they are taken and has several important advantages. 

The purpose of this is to make sure the biopsy itself has enough material for ultrasound Gold Coast diagnosis and assess what kind of tumor are dealing with which affects how the specimen will be handled. The medical centers in the nation where take extra step to make sure that the diagnosis is correct and if a malignancy is found a rapid onsite evaluation helps with determining which stage the cancer has reached. The interventional gastroenterologist can look around and see if the cancer has spread and if so, it can biopsy those sites too and the best performing series of action is learning that the tumor has not spread. If that’s the case, it can be surgically removed presents the best odds for a cure in the lab with sample or samples that will be prepared for further analysis. Those ultrasound studies include immunostaining, molecular test and flow cytometry if a lymphoma is suspected will latter a test that counts to different types of cells dependent on the cell size and cell surface antigen expression. Immunostaining is used to gather information which is important for further classification of pre-cancerous stage cells tumors and molecular test such as detects specific mutations analysis may help the diagnosis of ductal adenocarcinoma.

[emedhelp]

Pancreatic cancer hope as scientists find drug combination 'can shrink the deadly tumours'  | Daily Mail Online

Hope has been raised for treating pancreatic cancer as scientists have found drugs that can shrink the killer tumours when taken together. 

Researchers found the one-two punch combination starves tumours of key nutrients needed to grow, and stops them adapting to survive. 

Both drugs - L-asparaginase and an MEK inhibitor - are already successful for treating patients with different cancers, such as leukaemia.

Experts hope the study, conducted on mice in the laboratory, will allow trials of the combination on pancreatic cancer to be fast-tracked. 

Pancreatic is the deadliest form of cancer. Figures suggest as little as five per cent of patients will survive five years after being diagnosed.

It strikes 9,000 people in UK and nearly 57,000 in the US each year. It is difficult to treat and isn't normally diagnosed until it's advanced. 

A quarter of patients with the disease die within a month of being diagnosed, and three quarters will die within a year. 

Scientists have discovered a combination of two drugs can shrink pancreatic tumours in mice. The first is L-asparaginase, a chemotherapy drug used to treat leukaemia. Pictured Erwinase, a marketed L-asparaginase drug

An unnamed MEK inhibitor helped stop the tumours grow. Pictured, MEK inhibitor dabrafenib, approved for the treatment of solid tumors, including melanoma, a type of skin cancer

The team of scientists at Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute, San Diego, said treatment for pancreatic cancer is behind other forms of the disease. 

Senior author Dr Ze'ev Ronai said: 'The sad reality is at present, pancreatic cancer therapy is lagging since there is no effective treatment for these tumors.  

'Our study identifies a potential treatment combination that can immediately be tested against these aggressive tumors.'  

In their experiments, the scientists used L-asparaginase to starve pancreatic tumors of a key nutrient, asparagine. 

Cancer cells need this chemical to make protein to survive. L-asparaginase depletes asparagine.

But instead of dying, it activated a stress response pathway in pancreatic tumour cells that allowed them to make asparagine themselves. 

To block the pathway, Dr Ronai and team used an MEK inhibitor which stopped the tumours from making their own asparagene and growing.

WHAT ARE THE TWO DRUGS? 

Asparaginase is a chemotherapy drug used to treat acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL). It can also be used to treat some other blood disorders. 

It also has the brand names Erwinase, Crisantaspase or L-asparaginase. 

Asparaginase is an enzyme that breaks down a chemical called asparagine in cancer cells. 

The cells need this chemical to make protein to create new cells. So asparaginase stops the cancer cells from dividing and growing. 

MEK inhibitors have the ability to restrict growth of tumour cells. 

They inhibit the mitogen-activated protein kinase enzymes MEK1 and/or MEK2, which are overactive in some cancers.

Mostly, MEK inhibitors are used in the treatment of solid tumors, including melanoma, a type of skin cancer.

The findings, published in the journal Nature Cell Biology, revealed how tumours shrank in mice when the combination drugs were administered.

Dr Ronai told MailOnline: 'Pancreatic tumours were almost eliminated.' 

In the same study, the scientists showed that the two treatments also shrank melanoma tumors in mice and inhibited melanoma metastasis. 

However, recognising the need for advancing treatment in pancreatic cancer, the scientists have decided to explore clinical evaluation of the combination treatment in these tumours first. 

Dr Eytan Ruppin, a study author and chief of the Cancer Data Science Library at the National Cancer Institute, said: 'This research lays the basis for the inhibition of pancreatic tumor growth by a combined synergistic attack.'

Dr Rosalie Sears, a professor at Oregon Health and Science University, said: 'It's clear we're not going to find a single magic bullet that cures cancer but will instead need several drugs that target multiple vulnerabilities. 

'This study identifies a promising dual treatment for pancreatic cancer - one of the deadliest cancers - and I look forward to seeing these drugs tested in patients.' 

L-asparaginase is a chemotherapy drug used to treat acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL) and some other blood disorders.     

MEK inhibitors, such as trametinib and dabrafenib, are approved for the treatment of solid tumors, including melanoma, a type of skin cancer. 

Dr Ronai and colleagues want to advance to clinical trails, phases all drugs must go through before patient use.   

They are in the process of getting their combination therapy into clinical trials with immediate effect. 

Leading charity Pancreatic Cancer UK said the findings are promising, however urged caution.

Chris Macdonald, head of research said: 'Halting pancreatic cancer’s metabolism, the way in which cancer cells fuel their rapid growth, is a promising area in the field and it’s encouraging that researchers are seeing such positive results in mice.  

'However, we must proceed with cautious optimism. Pancreatic cancer is insidious and is notoriously good at circumventing the body’s defences.

'Although this drug has shown to benefit patients with other conditions, it might not prove to be effective in human patients with pancreatic cancer.'

In its early stages, pancreatic cancer rarely causes symptoms. When stomach pain, yellow skin and eyes, and weight loss do appear, it may be too late.   ��

If the tumour is large or has spread, treating or curing the cancer is much harder. Surgery - the only way of curing the disease - is no longer possible in most cases.

PANCREATIC CANCER: WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS AND STATISTICS?

Pancreatic cancer often doesn’t cause any signs or symptoms in the early stages. This can make it hard to diagnose early. As the cancer grows, it may start to cause symptoms. The symptoms and how bad they are can vary for each person.

Common symptoms include:

Pancreatic cancer is the quickest killing cancer.

One in four people with pancreatic cancer die within a month of diagnosis, three in four die within a year.

Around 10,000 people are diagnosed with pancreatic cancer per year in the UK - 27 people every day.

In 2019, around 56,770 Americans will be diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, of which 45,750 will die.

There is good evidence that age, smoking, being overweight, a family history of pancreatic cancer, pancreatitis, and diabetes may increase your risk of pancreatic cancer.

Some evidence has suggested that alcohol, red and processed meat, blood group and gallstones or gall bladder surgery may also increase your risk.