Cancer breakthrough: Scientists discover protein that could stop tumour growth in the pancreas

Scientists have made a promising discovery that could transform the treatment of pancreatic cancer, one of the deadliest forms of the disease. Researchers at the Institute of Cancer Research in London have identified a protein called SPP1 that plays a key role in the aggressive spread of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), the most common form of pancreatic cancer. By blocking this protein in lab-grown mini tumours and mouse models, the team found that cancer growth slowed dramatically and tumours failed to spread. This breakthrough opens the door for the development of targeted drugs that could improve survival rates and provide new hope for patients diagnosed with advanced pancreatic cancer.

Understanding the role of protein in pancreatic cancer

Pancreatic cancer is notoriously difficult to treat, partly because it is often diagnosed at an advanced stage. In England and Wales, over 60% of patients are diagnosed at stage four, with survival rates remaining extremely low—around 22% in England and 21% in Wales not surviving beyond 30 days post-diagnosis. The SPP1 protein was found to be elevated in advanced pancreatic tumours, and higher levels were linked to poorer patient outcomes. Experiments demonstrated that switching off the gene responsible for SPP1 reduced tumour growth and prevented the spread of cancer cells.

Lab and animal model findings

Researchers grew mini tumours in the lab to mimic how pancreatic cancer behaves in humans. When SPP1 was blocked, the tumours were smaller and fewer in number. In mice with PDAC, turning off SPP1 extended survival significantly: while none of the mice with the gene survived past 50 days, 20% of mice without the gene survived up to 400 days. Additionally, tumours in these mice did not spread, highlighting the protein’s central role in cancer progression. Blocking SPP1 also increased levels of GREM1, another protein linked to reducing tumour spread.

Implications for future drug development

The discovery of SPP1 as a target provides a clear path for developing new therapies. Scientists aim to design drugs that specifically inhibit this protein, potentially halting the spread of pancreatic cancer and giving patients more time for life-saving treatment. Professor Axel Behrens, a stem cell biology expert at The ICR, emphasised that the findings could help keep patients living longer and healthier lives.

Expert reactions and next steps

Professor Kristian Helin, chief executive of The ICR, called the research “an important step toward more effective treatments” for one of the most aggressive cancers. Anna Jewell, director of research at Pancreatic Cancer UK, highlighted the desperate need for therapies targeting proteins like SPP1, as the majority of patients die within months of diagnosis. The team plans to continue research to develop precise drugs and explore clinical trials, potentially offering hope to thousands of patients in the UK and worldwide. The discovery also underscores the importance of early detection and continued investment in cancer research. With further development, SPP1-targeted therapies could become a vital tool in the fight against pancreatic cancer.