Rather than attacking cancer cells directly, new cell-model research probes weaknesses in pancreatic cancer’s interactions with other cells to obtain nutrients needed for tumor growth.

The protein Argonaute 2 was found to be critical to the progression from benign lesions into pancreatic cancer, suggesting a therapeutic opportunity.

In mouse models, the work uncovers a new potential target to improve immunotherapy approaches to the deadly disease.

An early clinical trial at U-M finds that a Wee1 inhibitor, combined with radiation and gemcitabine, is safe and potentially effective in pancreatic cancer treatment.

Researchers have shown how tumor-associated macrophages release compounds that block gemcitabine in the most common type of pancreatic cancer

More funding, scientific insights and clinical advances have started to drive progress in this challenging disease, and researchers see potential for immunotherapy to revolutionize its future.