Scientists discover link between inflammation and pancreatic cancer.

Pancreatitis, or inflammation of the pancreas, is a known risk factor for a type of cancer called pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDA). The ways that inflammation help cause PDA have only recently begun to be identified. The inflammatory mediator Stat3, a protein that works to increase the activity of some genes, is a key player in PDA development. Researchers have discovered that Stat3 signaling aids the expression of the gene encoding matrix metalloproteinase-7 (MMP7).  MMPs are enzymes that digest a wide range of proteins and can alter tissue structure.  MMP7 expression results in increased tumor size and increased risk of metastasis.

Inflammation has long been linked with many types of cancer, but this information alone is not sufficient to improve cancer treatment. Scientists instead use these correlations as launching points for identifying the specific mechanisms leading to cancer development. This approach points to an even brighter future for cancer treatment.