Scientists at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory have identified a method to intercept pancreatic cancer by targeting genetic mutations, offering hope for early treatment.
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| Researchers have discovered a potential method to stop pancreatic cancer before it becomes aggressive, using targeted gene therapy to slow tumor formation. Image: CSHL |
NY, USA — April 2, 2025:
Pancreatic cancer is set to become the second deadliest cancer by 2030, often detected too late for effective treatment. Scientists at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory (CSHL) have uncovered a potential method to intercept the disease before it progresses.
CSHL Professor and Cancer Center Director David Tuveson compares it to identifying dangerous moles on the skin:
"We all have moles on our skin. Most of your moles are fine. But some of your moles you have a dermatologist looking at to make sure it's always fine. They may take it out and send it to the pathologist to ask, 'Is this an early melanoma, a melanoma in situ?' Now, that's just what you can see. Imagine that in your pancreas—because that's the reality. We all have early versions of cancer in many tissues at all times."
Tuveson and Research Investigator Claudia Tonelli have found that the gene FGFR2 amplifies the effects of KRAS mutations, a key driver in over 95% of pancreatic cancer cases. Their research on mice and lab-grown human pancreatic tissue revealed that blocking FGFR2 at a critical stage significantly slowed tumor development.
"It's the driving oncogene in this disease," says Tonelli. "We discovered that another gene, FGFR2, plays a role in enhancing mutant KRAS signaling in pancreatic cancer. When that happens, those 'early versions' of pancreatic cancer become much more aggressive."
By combining FGFR2 inhibitors with EGFR inhibitors—already used in some cancer treatments—researchers saw even greater success, with fewer early cancerous cells forming in the first place.
"With an increasing number of FGFR2 inhibitors entering the clinic, our study lays the foundation to explore their use in combination with EGFR inhibitors for pancreatic cancer interception," Tonelli explains.
The findings offer new possibilities for early intervention, particularly for individuals with a family history of pancreatic cancer. With targeted treatments, doctors may one day stop the disease before it becomes life-threatening.