Pancreatic cancer represents a challenge for science and research as it is still a difficult disease to tackle, with a high mortality rate, but with an eye towards innovative approaches such as vaccines, targeted therapies or the role of the microbiome of the patient and, above all, early diagnosis.
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Image of a pancreas taken from the guide “Pancreatic cancer: diet and quality of life”. Photo provided
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Image of a pancreas taken from the guide “Pancreatic cancer: diet and quality of life”. Photo provided
On the occasion of World Pancreatic Cancer Dayon November 21st, president of Pancreatic Cancer Europe, the oncologist Alfredo Carratorecently participated in a conference at the Ramón y Cajal University Hospital in Madrid organized by Pancreatic Cancer Association (Acanpan)for his 10th anniversary, where he took an x-ray of this tumor and its challenges.
It is estimated that 9,986 pancreatic cancers will be diagnosed in 2024, according to the document “Figures on cancer in Spain 2024” by the Spanish Society of Medical Oncology (SEOM), a cancer that in 2022 caused the death of 7,973 people.
“It is necessary to raise awareness in society of the fact that we are faced with a great enemy that in the coming years will become the second cause of death from cancer after lung cancer” warns Dr. Carrato.
At the time of diagnosis, only 10% have the tumor localized, 29% have an advanced stage in the pancreas area and 52% have metastases, according to data provided by the researcher from the Ramón y Cajal Health Research Institute. .
And to address this cancer, the expert cites some actions both in research and in clinical practice, where the standard treatment continues to be chemotherapy, which reaches 35% of long-term survivors.
The challenges of pancreatic cancer, a tumor with “a unique biology, worse than others”. One reason is that the progenitor tumor cells of this tumor are already identified circulating in the blood before the tumor exists as such in the gland.
“We are trying to gain ground on a disease that is one of the most difficult to defeat, it needs a lot of investments and the awareness of politicians who design health strategies so that there is a network, useful infrastructure for patients and they have the possibility of better treatments ”, claims Dr. Alfredo Carrato.
Patients ask
This day organized by Achanpan It reflects the work that this association has been carrying out for ten years to promote research and healthcare for pancreatic cancer patients.
“Only 8% survive five years after diagnosis,” said Acanpan president Cristina Sandín, who cited 2022 data that, while low, represents a 5% increase over the last decade.
For this reason, patients, families, doctors and researchers want to continue to advance and propose the following challenges:
- The need to promote research new diagnostic and screening pathways
- The importance of training professionals Primary care and insist on spreading the signs and symptoms of pancreatic cancer.
- Doctors, researchers and patient associations come together to create a joint plan present to the authorities, thus strengthening our ability to influence institutions.
How does personalized medicine impact the management of pancreatic cancer patients?
Interview Transcript: Understanding the Challenges of Pancreatic Cancer
Time.news Editor: Welcome to Time.news! Today, we have the privilege of speaking with Dr. Alfredo Carrato, the president of Pancreatic Cancer Europe and a leading oncologist. With World Pancreatic Cancer Day just around the corner, we want to delve into the pressing issues surrounding this challenging disease. Dr. Carrato, thank you for joining us.
Dr. Alfredo Carrato: Thank you for having me. It’s an honour to discuss such an important topic.
Editor: Pancreatic cancer is known for its high mortality rate and difficulty in detection. Can you shed some light on the current situation regarding early diagnosis and treatment options?
Dr. Carrato: Certainly. One of the most concerning aspects of pancreatic cancer is that by the time most patients are diagnosed, only 10% of tumors are localized, while a staggering 52% have already metastasized. This highlights the need for enhanced awareness and screening programs, especially for high-risk populations.
Editor: You mentioned screening programs. Could you elaborate on what these entail and who the high-risk groups are?
Dr. Carrato: Absolutely. At Ramón y Cajal Hospital, we have initiated screening for first-degree relatives of pancreatic cancer patients. Over the past decade, we’ve assessed around 250 families. This proactive approach aims to catch the cancer early when it’s still asymptomatic, giving us the best chance at intervention.
Editor: Early diagnosis is crucial. What role do personalized treatments play in the management of pancreatic cancer?
Dr. Carrato: Personalized medicine is an exciting frontier. Advances in genomic analysis allow us to identify specific mutations present in a patient’s tumor, such as KRAS. Targeting these mutations can significantly improve treatment efficacy. Furthermore, research into immunotherapy is promising. We are investigating oncolytic vaccines that can harness the body’s immune system to fight cancer more effectively.
Editor: The microbiome has also been mentioned as a potential factor in cancer treatment. Can you explain that?
Dr. Carrato: The microbiome refers to the diverse microorganisms that inhabit our bodies. Emerging research suggests that the unique composition of a patient’s microbiome could influence their cancer risk and treatment response. Certain microorganisms may promote immunity and others may foster carcinogenesis. Understanding this relationship could unlock new therapeutic strategies.
Editor: That sounds groundbreaking. Given the complexity of the pancreas, what are the surgical options available for patients?
Dr. Carrato: Surgery is indeed challenging due to the pancreas’s intricate structure. Only 15-20% of diagnosed patients are candidates for surgical intervention. When feasible, surgical procedures can be effective, but they require specialized surgical teams and equipment. It’s a critical area where ongoing advancements in surgical techniques and technology are necessary.
Editor: What do you see as the biggest hurdle in tackling pancreatic cancer today?
Dr. Carrato: Raising awareness is paramount. Pancreatic cancer is on track to become the second leading cause of cancer death after lung cancer. We need to educate the public about the risks, the importance of early detection, and support research initiatives. Together, we can work towards innovative solutions and better outcomes for patients.
Editor: Thank you, Dr. Carrato, for sharing your insights with us today. It’s clear that while pancreatic cancer poses significant challenges, there are promising avenues for research and treatment that give us hope.
Dr. Carrato: Thank you for highlighting this critical issue. Only through continued dialog and research can we make progress against this formidable disease.
Editor: And thank you to our readers for joining us in this vital conversation. Let’s continue to raise awareness, support research, and push for early detection and innovative therapies for pancreatic cancer.