What current research is being done on pancreatic cancer?

I are very excited about the research being conducted to improve pancreatic cancer treatments. In general, pancreatic cancer is made up of a complex cellular network. The concept of targeting every aspect and cell of pancreatic cancer is a novel one that we as researchers are very excited about.

In my lab and at others, scientists are attempting to target and understand the environment in which pancreatic cancer cells live. Once we understand it, we will be able to attack this environment and turn it into an advantage for us in the clinical setting.

Other exciting research opportunities exist with our new understanding of the dysregulation of genes in pancreatic cancer cells. This concept is called post-transcriptional gene regulation and it is regulated, in part, by a protein we are studying here at Jefferson called HuR. The HuR protein is central for pancreatic cancer cell survival and also for Gemcitabine, a chemotherapy agent used to treat pancreatic cancer currently considered the standard of care.

Jonathan R. Brody, PhD
Thomas Jefferson University
Jefferson Medical College
Department of Surgery
Division of Surgical Research
Assistant Professor

Director of Surgical Research
Member, Kimmel Cancer Center