Cell Movement Regulating Proteins, Found Linked to Pancreatic Cancer

Luciano Pavarotti, the Italian singer, was recently diagnosed and had surgery for pancreatic cancer.

Each year, about 216,000 new cases of pancreatic cancer are reported mostly in developed countries according to the International Agency for Research on Cancer in Lyon, France.

Earlier this week, scientists have reported the discovery of two cell movement regulating proteins, CapG and Gelsolin that act like an engine for pancreatic cancer cells.

These proteins may play a fundamental role in the aggressive spread and growth of pancreatic tumors,” said Dr Eithne Costello of the University of Liverpool in Northern England.

Pancreatic cancer is more common in people 60 years or older and is usually not diagnosed until it is in the advanced stage, making it more difficult to cure.

“Understanding how it spreads is a priority. We need to know how this disease spreads in order to be able to target new treatments. With these two molecules we have identified players in the ability to spread,” Costello, a molecular biologist, said in an interview.

With the discovery of these two proteins, scientists have something to start with in finding new treatments.

Source: Reuters

Photo Credit: Boston.com