Pancreatic Cancer Vaccine: Cancer is a serious problem, on hearing about which a person breaks down from within. If we talk about pancreatic cancer, then it is a very serious and fast growing cancer which occurs in the pancreas. Pancreas is an organ of the body that plays an important role in producing digestive enzymes and hormones like insulin. This cancer is often not detected in its early stages because the pancreas is located deep in the body and its symptoms may initially be general or vague, such as stomach pain, weight loss or digestive problems, which may not seem so serious. By the time it is detected, in many cases it has spread to other parts of the body, making its treatment even more difficult.

For this reason, it is counted among the most dangerous and deadly cancers. According to statistics, the incidence of pancreatic cancer has doubled in the last two decades. Earlier it was about 2.5 to 3 out of 1000000 persons, now it has increased to 6 to 7. Recently, the trial of a vaccine for the treatment of this cancer has become possible, which has given a new direction in its treatment, know the whole thing.

What is mRNA vaccine to treat pancreatic cancer?

Recently, the trial of a vaccine named Autogene Sevumaran has raised a new hope in the treatment of pancreatic cancer. This is a personalized vaccine that is prepared based on the genetic information (neoantigens) of the patient’s tumor and signals the body’s immune system to recognize and destroy cancer cells. According to the researchers, it is based on mRNA technology – a technology based on messenger ribo-nucleic acid (mRNA) that is used for treatment, not for reducing the risk of disease. This vaccine is given after surgery so that the microscopic cancer cells remaining in the body can be eliminated and the risk of cancer recurring can be reduced.

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Results of clinical trials – how much success was achieved

Talking about the results of clinical trials, in the Phase-1 study, a total of 16 patients were given Autogene Sevumaran vaccine after pancreatic cancer surgery. Along with this, chemotherapy and an immunotherapy drug (checkpoint inhibitor) were also given to the patients. The vaccine was prepared individually according to the DNA of each patient’s tumor. The vaccine had a good effect in 8 out of these 16 patients. Their body’s immune system recognized the tumor and started producing T-cells that attack the cancer cells. Out of 8 patients, 7 remained alive even 4 to 6 years after surgery. On the other hand, out of the 8 patients in whom the vaccine did not respond, only 2 remained alive. After these good initial results, now Phase-2 clinical trial of this vaccine has been started, in which it is being tested on more patients. This study is going on at many other places including MSK (Memorial Sloan Kettering) in New York, so that its effect and safety can be understood better.

mRNA vaccine has emerged as a great hope for the treatment of pancreatic cancer. Although its Phase-2 has just started, but it is being considered a big achievement in the field of medical science. Researchers believe that if similar results are obtained in Phase-2 and Phase-3, then it can bring revolutionary changes in the medical field.

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Early Signs Of Pancreatic Cancer: A Spanish research team has claimed that it has developed a treatment that can completely eliminate the most dangerous form of pancreatic cancer in lab rats. This cancer is counted among the most deadly cancers in the world. This study was conducted under the leadership of scientist Mariano Barbacid at Spain’s National Cancer Research Center (CNIO). Let us tell you what claims have been made regarding this.

What has come out in the research?

According to the research, scientists used a new combination of three medicines, which completely destroyed the pancreatic tumors present in rats. The most important thing was that after the treatment there were no signs of cancer returning again. In this research that lasted for six years, it was also found that the treatment had very few side effects on the animals. Pancreatic cancer, especially pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma, is considered fatal because it is highly resistant to treatment and is often detected late. Usually, treatment based on a single drug fails because cancer cells adapt rapidly.

What does the researcher say?

This new therapy from CNIO takes a different approach. In this, by combining not one but three medicines, many life-saving processes of cancer were stopped simultaneously. Researchers say that due to this, cancer cells do not get a chance to remodel themselves. Experiments conducted in the lab found that tumors in rats suffering from advanced stage pancreatic cancer completely disappeared. Despite long-term monitoring, the tumor did not recur, which is considered extremely rare in this disease.

still waiting for humans

This study has been published in the prestigious journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS). Reviewers have particularly highlighted the treatment’s long-term effects and low side effects. Cancer experts say that such results without cancer returning are very unusual in pancreatic cancer research. After this discovery, there was excitement as well as skepticism on social media. Some people called it a big leap towards treatment, while others raised questions on calling it a ‘cure’. Experts say that after the success in rats, trials on humans and a long process still remain.

What is pancreatic cancer?

Pancreatic cancer is a disease that begins with abnormal growth of cells in the pancreas. The pancreas is located behind the lower stomach and produces enzymes that aid digestion and hormones that control blood sugar. Its most common type is pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma.

This cancer is often not caught in the early stages because the symptoms appear late. Its symptoms include pain in the stomach or back, weight loss, loss of appetite, jaundice, dark urine, fatigue and sudden increase in diabetes. If such symptoms appear, contact the doctor immediately. In 80 to 85 percent of cases, symptoms appear late and only 10 percent of patients are able to survive for 5 years.

Read this also- Bowel Cancer: What is Bowel Cancer? Know what are its initial symptoms, which people ignore

Disclaimer: This information is based on research studies and expert opinion. Do not consider this as a substitute for medical advice. Before adopting any new activity or exercise, please consult your doctor or relevant specialist.

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