Cancer

Pancreatic cancers are among the most aggressive, deadly tumor types, and for years researchers have struggled to develop effective drugs against the tumors. Now, Professor Ronald Evans, first author Corina Antal, and colleagues have identified a new set of molecules that fuel the growth of tumors in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), the most common type of pancreatic cancer. The new research explains how certain gene mutations trigger out-of-control growth in pancreatic cancer by activating a “super-enhancer” that turns on other genes. They also show the effectiveness of a new drug that puts the brakes on pancreatic cancer growth by blocking the effects of that super-enhancer.