One of the doctors behind the Sandler-Kenner Foundation talks about the discovery.

Irving, TX — A recent breakthrough in the laboratory may transform the way pancreatic cancer is detected, potentially paving the way for earlier recognition of this disease and more effective treatment. Although the full significance of a biomarker called Neuromedin U is still under study, the potential it holds could be game changing for this disease that is known to be among the deadliest forms of cancer known to man.

“Pancreatic cancer is one of the most vexing forms of this disease to clinicians across the globe,” explains Dr. Gregory Echt, one of the physicians behind the Sandler-Kenner Foundation and the founder and lead surgeon at Choice Cancer Care. “Known to present with few, if any, symptoms at first, this form of cancer often grows slowly, undetected until it reaches more advanced stages. At that point, it can be extremely difficult to treat with a positive outcome.”

Neuromedin U is a hormone that researchers have isolated that appears to be a biomarker for pancreatic cancer. The hormone is known to decrease the levels of insulin in the body, essentially creating diabetic symptoms. It is not, however, created in the pancreas. The hormone, researchers say, appears to be produced within pancreatic cancer tumors and then released into the blood. It may hold the key for explaining why some people who are not obese or otherwise considered at risk for diabetes may develop this disease later in life. It may actually be that diabetes is a side effect of a cancer tumor’s growth.

“The potential this discovery holds is tremendous,” says Dr. Echt. “The biomarker may very well hold the key to earlier detection of some forms of pancreatic cancer, which could pave the way for earlier intervention and much more positive outcomes.”

Pancreatic cancer is estimated to impact about 53,000 Americans each year. The disease is responsible for about 43,000 deaths. With no widespread screening tool currently available, most pancreatic cancers grow unchecked until their later stages.

The Sandler-Kenner Foundation is dedicated to raising awareness about pancreatic cancer while offering support for potentially lifesaving research.

About The Sandler-Kenner Foundation
The Sandler-Kenner Foundation, established in 2007 as the Las Colinas Cancer Center Foundation, was renamed in early 2011 in the memory of Michael Sandler and Peter Kenner, both of whom passed away from pancreatic cancer, a lethal disease that is difficult to diagnose until it has reached an advanced stage.