A team of researchers from the U.K. and U.S. have discovered that pancreatic cancer is able to shut down molecules in the HNF4A gene through a process known as DNA methylation.

The HNF4A gene helps many of the body's organs function properly. When the gene fails, this allows pancreatic cancer to grow and spread more rapidly.

More than half a million people are diagnosed with pancreatic cancer worldwide, each year. It has the lowest survival rate among common forms of cancer, with more than half of people with the disease dying within three months of diagnosis.

This gene discovery could lead to the development of more effective treatment options for pancreatic cancer.

With better knowledge of how pancreatic cancer spreads so aggressively, it is hopeful that "kinder and more effective treatment options" for pancreatic cancer are on the horizon. Andrew Gregory "Scientists make DNA discovery that could help find pancreatic cancer cure" theguardian.com (Jul. 14, 2024).

Commentary

The pancreas is an organ that sits behind the stomach. In adults, the pancreas is about six inches, or fifteen centimeters, long and less than two inches, or five centimeters, wide.

Pancreatic adenocarcinoma is the most common type of pancreatic cancer. It forms when exocrine cells in the pancreas grow out of control. Other less common types of exocrine cancer include adenosquamous carcinomas, squamous cell carcinomas, acinar cells carcinomas, and undifferentiated carcinomas.

Some growths in the pancreas may be benign, while others might become cancer over time if untreated. CT scans can be used to find these growths. "What Is Pancreatic Cancer?" cancer.org (Feb. 05, 2024)

Here are some possible signs of pancreatic cancer to discuss with your healthcare provider:

• Fatigue or abnormal physical weakness
• Difficulty sleeping and depression
• Jaundice
• Dark urine
• Light-colored or greasy stools
• Itchy skin
• Unintended weight loss
• Back or belly pain
• Nausea or vomiting
• Enlarged gall bladder or liver
• Blood clot in the leg
• Diabetes