Pancreatic cancer is one of the most deadly types of cancer, with low survival rates. However, a study was conducted at the University of Rochester Medical Center, published in Science Daily, and states the new findings that link certain genes to pancreatic cancer. The study was done on 356 patients diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. The tumors were removed from the patients and later on were studied by extracting DNA from the cancerous tissue and altering genes on the tissue. The four genes, KRAS, CDKN2A, SMAD4 and TP53, were identified in having an impact on the survival of the cancer patients. Patients who had three or four of these altered genes, had a less likely chance of survival even after removing the tumor. While those patients with one or two of the altered genes had a higher survival rate prediction. The outcome of the patients relies on the 4 altered genes in cancer patients who have undergone surgery to resect and dissect the cancerous tissue.
I believe the study that was conducted serves as a powerful tool in the understanding of one of the deadliest cancers. Pancreatic cancer has high chances of reoccurring but this new finding could aid in the complete termination of pancreatic cancer. There is now a better understanding of the disease and how it progresses depending on the individual. Therefore, this new finding will help in the prognosis and treatment of pancreatic cancer. It will also help further research studies.
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2017/11/171102180133.htm
https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamaoncology/article-abstract/2661054
The research you have done your blog is very impactful. I agree with you that understanding this cancer is very powerful and can hopefully save many lives. I do find it odd that having three or four of the identified genes altered compared to one or two have a lower survival rate.
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