Gene Discovery by Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center Researchers Sheds Light on Pancreatic Cancer
MONDAY, March 12 (HealthDay News) -- U.S. researchers have identified the gene sequence that causes a rare form of deadly pancreatic cancer.
Most cases of ductal pancreatic cancer are fatal, regardless of the stage of cancer when a patient is diagnosed. However, about 5 percent of patients develop a form of ductal pancreatic cancer associated with lesions that can be detected early. This form -- called cystic ductal pancreatic cancer -- is less aggressive and has a 50 percent long-term survival rate, according to background information in a news release.