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Updated: 12/12/06 08:23 AM |
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Proteins That Cause Pancreatic Cancer
Pancreatic cancer is difficult to detect and difficult to treat. The problem of early diagnosis is complex and complicated by the obscure location of the pancreas, the absence of reliable symptoms and the insensitivity and expense of current tests. What is needed are better methods of determining who is at risk, and more accurate tests of early signs of cancer or precancerous lesions. Targeted intervention at this early stage provides the best chance of a cure.
Proteomics is the comprehensive study of proteins associated with a disease. This new technology has enabled researchers to use a combination of biochemistry, biology, and bioinformatics to detect proteins that are expressed in cancer. Proteins are the most likely substance that would produce a successful, useable blood test for pancreatic cancer. We have two experts in the new field of proteomics and full access to costly proteomics equipment.
Using a proteomic approach, we are identifying the proteins that are differentially expressed in pancreatic cancer tissue—this will open a whole new level of knowledge in understanding how pancreatic cancer develops. Such knowledge could lead to new drug development, improved assessment of response after treatment, and potential chemoprevention programs. From our pancreatic cancer proteomic analyses, we hope to develop a blood biomarker that can identify patients who have early pancreatic cancer while it is curable.
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