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Stem Cells in Pancreatic Cancer

U-M Comprehensive Cancer Center scientists are studying stem cells in pancreatic cancer, looking for new and more effective treatments for patients with this deadly disease

Pancreatic cancer is one of the deadliest types of cancer. It is the fourth most common cause of cancer deaths in the United States. About 37,000 people are diagnosed with pancreatic cancer each year and about the same number die each year from the disease. Only about 3 percent of people with pancreatic cancer live more than five years after diagnosis.

There are several reasons why this type of cancer is so lethal

• Pancreatic is agressive
  Not only is it much more aggressive than other types of cancer, it's also quicker to metastasize or spread to other parts of the body.



• Second, it usually is not diagnosed until it's in an advanced stage.



• Third, unlike other types of cancer, pancreatic cancer responds very poorly to current chemotherapy and radiation treatments.

Scientists at the U-M Comprehensive Cancer Center are studying pancreatic cancer in an effort to find new and more effective treatments for patients with this deadly disease. In 2007, Cancer Center scientists were the first to identify a small group of cells, called cancer stem cells, in tumors from patients with pancreatic cancer. We believe these stem cells are the key to finding an effective treatment and possibly someday a cure for pancreatic cancer.

Our research shows that just a few cancer stem cells are responsible for the growth and spread of pancreatic cancer. Unless these stem cells are destroyed, the cancer will return. Our goal is to develop a new therapy targeted directly at cancer stem cells. If we succeed, it will be a major step forward in the treatment of pancreatic cancer.

Continue reading about stem cells in pancreatic cancer:    1     2     3     4     5

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This document is not intended to take the place of the care and attention of your personal physician or other professional medical services. Our aim is to promote active participation in your care and treatment by providing information and education. Questions about individual health concerns or specific treatment options should be discussed with your physician.

This information is part of the U-M Health System. The information presented is not a tool for self diagnosis or a substitute for professional care. © 2008 The Regents of the University of Michigan

Learn more:
Stem cell research at the University of Michigan
Stem Cells - Explained and Explored

Other stem cell resources:
National Institutes of Health Web site on stem cells

International Society for Stem Cell Research

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University of Michigan Comprehensive Cancer Center
1500 East Medical Center Drive
Ann Arbor, MI 48109

This site is part of the U-M Health System. The information presented is not a tool for self diagnosis or a substitute for professional care. © 2008 U-M Comprehensive Cancer Center