Pancreatic cancer has a low survival rate, partly because symptoms appear late. Researchers are therefore searching for signs of the disease at its earliest stages.
In a press release from Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, a research team describes its study published in the journal Cancer Discovery, indicating that the nervous system may be actively involved before actual tumors form.
It was previously known that cancer cells can spread along nerves, a process known as perineural invasion.
The new research investigates what occurs even earlier in the course of the disease.
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Interaction in the tissue
The researchers used an advanced 3D method to examine pancreatic tissue.
They observed a dense network of nerve fibers surrounding certain specialized support cells, known as myCAFs.
According to the study, these cells send signals that attract nerve fibers from the sympathetic nervous system.
The nerves release the signaling molecule noradrenaline, which increases the activity of the support cells.
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The researchers describe a self-reinforcing process in which cells and nerves influence each other, creating an environment that promotes early cancer development.
Potential new treatment
In experiments with mice and human cells, the sympathetic nervous system was temporarily deactivated using a neurotoxin.
One of the researchers states in the press release: "We show reduced fibroblast activation and a nearly 50% reduction in tumor growth".
According to the researchers, the findings may eventually open the door to new treatment options.
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They mention the drug doxazosin as a possible candidate in combination with existing therapies.
However, these are early results that require further investigation in clinical studies.
Sources: Science Daily, Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, and Cancer Discovery.
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