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Gene ‘switched off’ in early stages of pancreatic cancer, allowing rapid tumour growth and spread


A new study has revealed that a gene which works to slow the growth and spread of pancreatic cancer is ‘switched off’ by the disease, allowing it to become more aggressive.

As part of the study the researchers analysed pancreatic cancer and healthy tissues to reveal the exact mechanism that tumours use to switch off the expression and beneficial function of HNF4A. This project gives us new information on how pancreatic cancer is able to suppress certain molecules to help it spread aggressively around the body which, in turn, could lead to the development of more effective treatment options in the future.” It was funded by Pancreatic Cancer UK, the National Institutes of Health in the US, a donation by the Jackson Family in memory of Corina Bennett and a charitable grant from the Mayor of Gedling in Nottinghamshire.

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