30 March 2023 , 23:01
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A major breakthrough in the fight against pancreatic cancer has been made by scientists, raising hopes of finding a cure.
Glasgow University experts have identified immune cells, called gamma delta T, which help tumours grow on the gland and could be targeted with new immunotherapy.
Lead scientist Dr Seth Coffelt said: “This could lead to a gamechanging treatment for patients.”
A £250,000 study into the discovery has been launched by Worldwide Cancer Research and Pancreatic Cancer UK.
Survival rates for most cancers have improved with immunotherapies. However they have barely changed for pancreatic tumours, with around 10,000 deaths annually.
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No treatment has been found to help the immune system recognise the cells. The disease is hard to spot as it does not cause any symptoms early on.
A study into the discovery has been launched by Worldwide Cancer Research and Pancreatic Cancer UK (stock image) (PA)Pancreatic Cancer UK research head Dr Chris Macdonald said: “This disease often spreads before the first symptoms even present.
“Understanding why and how it is able to hide from the immune system and spread could allow us to find new ways to reduce or even prevent this.”
Claire McEwan, 46, of East Kilbride, near Glasgow, lost stepdad Billy and ex-husband Stephen to the cancer.
She said: “This research gives me hope. It would be nice to think a cure is on the horizon.”