Breakthrough Study By Pancreatic Cancer Action Network Grantee Evaluates Tumor Growth In Obese Vs. Lean Mice

"We find that obesity-associated tumors have enhanced growth and increased expression of genes that metabolize nitrogen," said lead author Nada Kalaany, PhD, assistant professor of pediatrics at Harvard Medical School and associate in medicine at Boston Children's Hospital. "In particular, tumors of the obese are dependent on arginase 2 (ARG2), an enzyme that helps them get rid of excess nitrogen, a byproduct of protein breakdown that could accumulate in the form of ammonia."

Kalaany adds that, "Silencing ARG2 in human tumors grown in obese mice strongly suppresses tumor growth – representing a novel strategy to stop or slow disease progression."

In 2015, Kalaany received PanCAN's Career Development Award – a $200K grant funded by an anonymous foundation, which directly supported this groundbreaking research.

"We are thrilled to have played an integral role in Dr. Kalaany's pivotal research," said Julie Fleshman, JD, MBA, president and CEO of the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network. "Novel approaches like this will help move us closer to our goal to double survival by 2020 and ultimately, improve patient outcomes. We will continue to bolster young investigators to accelerate progress in the field."

Since 2003, PanCAN, with the support of its generous donors, has awarded a total of 159 grants to 158 scientists at 58 institutions throughout the country through its competitive peer-reviewed Research Grants Program. The organization's cumulative research investment is projected to be over $48.5 million, including internal research initiatives.

"Thanks to PanCAN's funding, my team and I were able to discover a way that tumors in obese patients – and other fast-growing pancreatic tumors – exhibit aggressive growth. The next translational step for our project would be to screen for and validate an inhibitor(s) that would be specific for ARG2 and could extend patient lives," Kalaany added.

Pancreatic cancer is currently the third leading cause of cancer-related death in the country and expected to become the second by 2020. The Pancreatic Cancer Action Network is a trendsetting pancreatic cancer organization attacking the disease on all fronts through research, clinical initiatives, patient services and advocacy.

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About the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network
The Pancreatic Cancer Action Network (PanCAN) is dedicated to fighting the world's toughest cancer. In our urgent mission to save lives, we attack pancreatic cancer on all fronts: research, clinical initiatives, patient services and advocacy. Our effort is amplified by a nationwide network of grassroots support. We are determined to improve patient outcomes today and to double survival by 2020.

Media Contacts:
Chastidee Davis
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Pancreatic Cancer Action Network
Direct: 310-706-3376; Email: [email protected]

SOURCE Pancreatic Cancer Action Network

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