by Comite Web | Jul 11, 2025 | Sin categorizar
A study led by scientists from two ALIPANC groups at the Spanish National Cancer Research Centre (CNIO) has uncovered the mechanism by which a genetic variant acts and possibly increases the risk of developing pancreatic cancer. The findings have been published in the prestigious journal GUT. This discovery opens the door to improving early identification of individuals more vulnerable to this type of tumor and to designing more effective strategies for its prevention and early detection.
The research, with Cristina Bodas and Irene Felipe as first authors from the group led by Francisco X. Real, has generated a new mouse model that replicates a genetic variant in the CTRB2 gene: specifically, the deletion of exon 6, which is present in approximately 17% of the population. Mice carrying a deletion of the same exon exhibit early signs of endoplasmic reticulum stress in acinar cells and increased inflammation, two processes closely linked to the development of pancreatic cancer. The findings observed in the mouse model were validated through transcriptomic analyses of pancreatic tissue from organ donors. This model thus emerges as a key tool to better understand the origins of the disease and explore new preventive strategies.
Link to article: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40254337/
Link to the group: https://alipanc.org/grupo/carcinogenesis-epitelial/
Another link of interest: https://www.cnio.es/noticias/el-cnio-abre-una-via-hacia-la-prevencion-del-cancer-de-pancreas/
by Comite Web | Jun 2, 2025 | Sin categorizar
ALIPANC invites you to this course:
“From biological fundamentals to emerging therapies: a complete immersion in pancreatic cancer.”
- Date: from June 25th to 27th
- Venue: Faculty of Experimental Sciences (Facultad de Ciencias Experimentales) – Universidad Francisco de Vitoria (UFV), Madrid
- Espacio DOT | Pecera E
- Time: 9:00 am to 5:00 pm
- Registration period: from May 12 to June 18
At ALIPANC, we are pleased to share this interesting initiative organized by the Francisco de Vitoria University, which offers updated training on one of the biggest challenges of current oncology: pancreatic cancer.
The course will bring together leading specialists from the academic and clinical fields to address advances in diagnosis, treatment and prevention. Through lectures and specialized sessions, both the biological foundations of the disease and emerging therapies that are transforming its treatment will be explored.
An key event for health professionals and students interested in expanding their knowledge and contributing to the improvement of pancreatic cancer treatment.
More information and registration: https://www.ufv.es/curso-de-verano-cancer-de-pancreas/
by Comite Web | May 5, 2025 | Sin categorizar
Joint research by the Hospital 12 de Octubre and the Universidad Francisco de Vitoria has identified a new therapeutic target in pancreatic cancer: the enzyme ELOVLL6. The inhibition or silencing of this enzyme modifies the rigidity and permeability of the cell membrane, facilitating the entry of chemotherapeutic drugs. This strategy not only increases the efficacy of the treatment, but also makes it possible to reduce the dose required, thus minimizing its toxicity.
This finding represents one of the most promising advances against a tumor with low survival, little therapeutic innovation and high resistance to both chemotherapy and immunotherapy. The results of this work, recently published in Nature Communications, represent one of the most encouraging advances in recent years.
Víctor Sánchez-Arévalo Lobo, head of the Molecular Oncology Group at the Universidad Francisco de Vitoria and Hospital 12 de Octubre (UFV-H12O), and principal investigator of the study, explains: “The ELOVL6 enzyme participates in the elongation of fatty acid chains present in plasma membranes. We have found that its expression is regulated by the c-MYC oncogene, which is frequently altered and overexpressed in pancreatic cancer.”
Inhibition of ELOVL6, both by chemical compounds and by genetic techniques, alters the physicochemical properties of the cell membrane, making it less rigid and more permeable. As a result, chemotherapeutic drugs penetrate tumor cells more easily. According to Dr. Sánchez-Arévalo, this effect is not observed in cells with normal levels of c-MYC: “In these cells, the membrane maintains its integrity and remains resistant to chemotherapy. Therefore, the inhibitor mainly affects tumor cells, without significantly compromising healthy cells.”
The researcher adds that this effect is especially evident with chemotherapies formulated in nanoparticles, such as paclitaxel, commonly used in the treatment of pancreatic cancer. Thanks to this strategy, the same therapeutic effect is achieved with lower doses, thus reducing the systemic toxicity of the treatment.
Pancreatic cancer has a survival rate of less than 12% and remains one of the most lethal tumors. Its diagnosis usually occurs in advanced stages due to the absence of symptoms in early stages, which drastically limits therapeutic options. It is also highly resistant to chemotherapy and shows a poor response to immunotherapy, despite the advances made in other types of cancer.
Dr. Sánchez-Arévalo emphasizes: “Late diagnosis and chemoresistance, largely associated with poor tumor vascularization, contribute to the poor prognosis of this tumor. There is an urgent need to better understand its molecular mechanisms in order to develop more effective treatments. This finding is one of the most encouraging in recent years, and our goal is to move towards its validation in clinical trials.”
ABOUT THE STUDY
The work has been developed in cell lines and in animal models, specifically in mice, where the results have been highly promising. Not only was it possible to eliminate the tumor, but also to prevent its recurrence, since the treatment enhances the effect of chemotherapy and prevents the migration of tumor cells.
The next step will be to apply this strategy in more advanced preclinical models, such as patient-derived tumor avatars, and to optimize the chemical inhibitor to obtain a more specific and safer version suitable for use in clinical trials.
For more information about the research group: https://alipanc.org/grupo/oncologia-molecular/
Link to article: https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-025-56894-8
by Comite Web | Apr 16, 2025 | Sin categorizar
- A study led by ALIPANC scientists from the Hospital del Mar Research Institute, IIBB-CSIC-IDIBAPS, in collaboration with researchers from the Mayo Clinic, IBYME (CONICET) and CaixaResearch Institute demonstrates the role of Galectin-1 protein in the nucleus of the cells surrounding the tumor, the fibroblasts, contributing to their activation.
- Activated fibroblasts favor tumor growth and dissemination, while conferring resistance to treatment. This fact could be one of the factors that explain the high aggressiveness of pancreatic cancer, with a five-year survival rate of only 10%.
- The conclusions of the study open the door to new therapeutic strategies to combat this type of cancer, focusing on the possibility of inhibiting this protein inside the cells that surround and protect the tumor.
One of the factors contributing to the aggressiveness of pancreatic cancer is its tumor microenvironment, known as stroma, which represents the bulk of the tumor and is made up of a network of proteins and different non-tumor cells. Among these, fibroblasts play a key role, as they help tumor cells to grow and increase their resistance to drugs. This study published in the journal PNAS has identified a new determinant factor affecting this characteristic of pancreatic cancer, a previously unknown function of the Galectin-1 protein within the nucleus of fibroblasts, where it plays a key role in controlling gene expression through epigenetic control. The next steps of the research will be to explore therapeutic combinations to inhibit Galectin-1 both extracellularly and intracellularly. In fact, this protein is also involved in key tumor processes such as blood vessel formation and resistance to immunotherapy. Therefore, this strategy becomes particularly important in view of the multiple antitumor capacity of the inhibition of this protein.
Link to article: https://www.pnas.org/doi/10.1073/pnas.2424051122
Link to the group: https://alipanc.org/grupo/dianas-moleculares-del-cancer/
by Comite Web | Apr 8, 2025 | Sin categorizar
For the first time, in 2025, we are bringing the Digestive Disease Mechanism (DDM) Summit/Workshop to UEG Week, an exceptional 3-day programme focusing on the Pathogenesis of GI tract diseases (including intestine, pancreas, and liver). Led by the top experts in the field, Mathias Heikenwälder, Paco Real and Maria Sibilia, the workshop provides a dedicated space for basic scientists to present their latest findings, learn about the latest breakthroughs, and establish important new connections.
Speakers: Eduard Batlle, Spain; Tom Bird, UK; Valerie Chew, Singapore; Jerome Cros, France; Nabil Djouder, Spain; Yuval Dor, Israel; Henner Farin, Germany; Trevor Graham, UK; Dietmar Herndler-Brandstetter, Austria; Amaia Lujambio, USA; Laura Machesky, UK; Fanny Mann, France; Grainne O’Kane, Ireland; Susanne Roth, Germany; Guadalupe Sabio, Spain; Owen Sansom, UK; Dieter Saur, Germany; Robert Schwabe, USA; Victoria Stary, Austria; Tuomas Tammela, USA; Ganaganor Visweswara Shivashankar, Switzerland; Cun Wang, China; Jun Yu, China; Lars Zender, Germany
Join us in hearing cutting-edge research in artificial intelligence, spatial biology, immune evasion and metabolic reprogramming, among other topics! Featuring lectures, abstract presentations and interactive group discussions, this unparalleled event offers you a unique opportunity in the field of GI research.
This meeting aims at attracting the best Ph.D. students and postdoctoral fellows for a lively meeting fostering interaction among participants and Faculty.
UEG sponsors a large number of travel grants for those presenting abstracts.
UEG Digestive Disease Mechanism (DDM) Summit – Berlin – October 5-7, 2025
https://ueg.eu/week/programme/ddm-summit
by Comite Web | Apr 7, 2025 | Sin categorizar
On March 20th, the second Scientific Meeting of ALIPANC took place at the University of Barcelona’s Campus Clinic. Over 100 researchers from Spain and Portugal attended to share the latest findings on pancreatic cancer. The day began with a keynote lecture by Dr. Peter Bailey from the Botton-Champalimaud Pancreas Cancer Center. This was followed by short presentations from PhD students, postdoctoral researchers, and team leaders from the ALIPANC network.
The event featured a poster session showcasing 16 displays of new research from the community. Additionally, the community paid tribute to Elena Mora, recognizing her family’s dedication and support in the fight against pancreatic cancer. The day concluded with a final keynote lecture by Dr. Joaquin Arribas from the Hospital del Mar Research Institute. This year’s meeting also included awards for the:
- best short presentation: Isabel Villaoslada
- best posters: Adrián Santiso, Mikhail Chesnokov, and Ariel Acuña-Pincay
- winner of the networking activity held throughout the day: Marta Celma
Overall, the meeting reinforced ALIPANC’s commitment to advancing pancreatic cancer research and we look forward to the next edition!
