The fungi that inhabit the body and their effect on human health have not received as much attention from scientists as bacteria. This situation could be about to change as a new study reveals that fungi that live in the gut appear to have a role in pancreatic cancer. Some gut fungi may promote the […]
Pancreatic Cancer
Pancreatic cancer cells spread by ‘educating’ the tumor environment
New research in mice reveals “previously unknown” molecules that pancreatic cancer cells use to shape the environment around the tumors and enable them to spread. New research helps explain why pancreatic cancer cells spread so fast. Pancreatic cancer is one of the most aggressive forms of cancer. Most of the time, the condition has already […]
What causes floating poop?
Floating poop is rarely a cause for concern. In many cases, a person might not be able to identify a cause for their floating poop. As long as there are no other symptoms and their stool returns to normal over time, it is not usually necessary to see a doctor. Some possible causes of floating […]
Deleting just one gene may ‘completely prevent’ pancreatic cancer
Using a mouse model of pancreatic cancer, researchers have zoomed in on a single gene that stopped aggressive pancreatic cancer from developing when the scientists removed it. New research sheds light on the genetic drivers behind pancreatic cancer. Pancreatic cancer is an aggressive form of cancer that tends to be diagnosed quite late and often […]
Pancreatic cancer: Two-hit treatment approach shows promise
It may be feasible to treat pancreatic cancer by using one drug to get the cancer cells to depend on a single source of energy, and another drug to take it away from them. Using two types of drugs at once may combat hard-to-treat pancreatic cancer. The approach looks promising after a recent study successfully […]
What is an amylase blood test?
An amylase blood test measures the amount of amylase in a person’s blood. Abnormal levels of amylase may indicate pancreatitis or another problem with the pancreas. Amylase is a digestive enzyme that helps the body break down carbohydrates. Both the salivary glands and the pancreas produce amylase. Several different medical conditions can affect amylase levels […]
What can we see with an abdominal ultrasound?
Abdominal ultrasounds use sound waves to create images of structures and blood flow in the abdomen. These ultrasound images are a useful way of examining organs, tissues, blood vessels, and other structures within the abdomen. Ultrasound imaging involves sending high-frequency sound waves into the body. These waves reflect off of organs and other structures inside […]
Can the tongue microbiome help diagnose pancreatic cancer?
Pancreatic cancer is typically an aggressive form of the disease, with a fairly low 5-year survival rate. Diagnosing pancreatic cancer in its early stages could help people receive treatment more quickly, but what kind of test would work best? The specific bacterial abundance on a person’s tongue may indicate the presence of pancreatic cancer. The […]
Rainforest vine compound kills resilient cancer cells
New research now published in the Journal of Natural Products shows that a vine compound is highly effective in the fight against treatment-resistant pancreatic cancer cells. A type of rainforest vine may hold the key to effective cancer treatments. Pancreatic cancer is notoriously difficult to treat, and the condition has a poor outlook. According to […]
What does it mean to have stage 4 pancreatic cancer?
The pancreas is an organ that helps facilitate digestive function and blood sugar regulation. When cancer spreads from the pancreas to other parts of the body, doctors classify it as stage 4 pancreatic cancer. According to research from 2015, about 53 percent of people with pancreatic cancer receive a diagnosis when the cancer is in […]