Pancreatic cancer is a challenging disease to diagnose and treat due to its asymptomatic nature in early stages and high mortality rate. However, a recent study conducted by the Salk Institute and the University of California San Diego has shed light on a potential therapeutic target for slowing tumor progression and metastasis in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma, the most common form of pancreatic cancer.
The study focused on a unique sugar molecule called HSAT (antithrombin-binding heparan sulfate), which was found to be expressed by cells in the pancreas, particularly in the early stages of cancer. The researchers observed that as cancer progressed, the levels of HSAT decreased, leading to increased inflammation and a higher risk of metastasis. Boosting HSAT levels was shown to potentially slow the formation and spread of pancreatic cancer, with patients exhibiting higher pancreatic HSAT levels showing better survival rates.
Moreover, HSAT was found to be detectable in cancer patients’ plasma, making it a promising biomarker for diagnosing and monitoring pancreatic cancer. The findings of the study were published in the Journal of Clinical Investigation, highlighting the potential of HSAT as a therapeutic target for pancreatic cancer.
The study also revealed the role of cell surface sugars in cancer progression, showcasing how changes in these sugars can impact the ability of cancer cells to multiply, migrate, and invade other parts of the body. In the case of pancreatic cancer, excessive surface sugars like heparan sulfate act as a shield for cancer cells, making them resistant to the immune system and immunotherapies.
The researchers further explored the connection between blood clotting and cancer cells, noting that the interaction between antithrombin and HSAT plays a crucial role in regulating both processes. By increasing HSAT levels, the risk of blood clots in cancer patients could potentially be reduced, while also slowing down cancer metastasis.
Overall, the study identified HSAT as a potential therapeutic target and biomarker for pancreatic cancer, offering new insights into the biology of the disease. The researchers believe that by understanding the role of HSAT and cell surface sugars in cancer progression, new treatments and diagnostic tools can be developed to improve outcomes for pancreatic cancer patients.
