Identifying Key Proteins for Targeted Treatment

Researchers at CSHL have pinpointed two proteins, FGFR2 and EGFR, as pivotal in the progression of pancreatic cancer. The breakthrough involves inhibiting these proteins to potentially halt the advancement of cancer cells.

Claudia Tonelli, a research investigator at CSHL, dedicated extensive effort to studying early-stage pancreatic cancer using both murine models and human pancreatic tissue cultured in the lab.

“These two proteins, together, can make the cells become malignant,”

Tonelli expressed in an interview with FOX 5 New York.

Patient Perspectives: A Glimmer of Hope

Local resident Bill Reindl, who was diagnosed with stage 4 pancreatic cancer last summer, views the new research with cautious optimism. Reindl is prepared for lifelong chemotherapy treatment but sees the news from CSHL as uplifting.

“Like probably most people I was in denial for a little while – this couldn’t be possible,”

Reindl shared, illustrating the emotional impact of such a diagnosis. His daughter, Amy Pollaci, echoed this sentiment, saying,

“It’s a golden ticket, a second chance.”

Understanding the Severity of Pancreatic Cancer

Pancreatic cancer’s deadliness is attributed to its late diagnosis. As stated by researchers at CSHL, the disease is likely to become the second leading cause of cancer deaths in the U.S. by 2030. The cancer often remains undetected until advanced stages due to its deep location within the body, making it difficult to identify tumors during routine medical examinations.

The American Cancer Association highlights this issue, noting that patients typically experience no symptoms until the tumors have reached significant size or have spread to other organs.