Discovery of Cell Surface Sugar Could Slow Pancreatic Cancer Growth and Aid Early Detection
Scientists have identified a cell surface sugar, HSAT, that can slow pancreatic cancer growth and serve as a blood-based biomarker for early detection, opening new avenues for treatment and diagnosis.
Recent research from the Salk Institute and UC San Diego has unveiled a promising new target in the fight against pancreatic cancer, focusing on a specific sugar molecule called HSAT (antithrombin-binding heparan sulfate). Pancreatic cancer remains one of the deadliest cancers worldwide, largely due to its asymptomatic nature in early stages and its aggressive ability to spread. The study highlights that HSAT is naturally expressed in pancreatic tissues and other organs, particularly during early disease stages, and its decline is associated with increased inflammation and metastasis.
The scientists discovered that higher levels of HSAT in pancreatic tissues correlate with better patient survival rates. Interestingly, HSAT can also be detected in blood plasma, suggesting its potential utility as a biomarker for early diagnosis and ongoing monitoring of pancreatic cancer progression. This breakthrough offers hope for both early detection and new therapeutic strategies.
At the molecular level, the study revealed that pancreatic cancer cells often develop excessive surface sugars like heparan sulfate, which serve as a shield against immune defenses and make traditional therapies less effective. However, boosting HSAT levels appears to suppress tumor development and metastasis, as demonstrated in mouse models where inhibiting HSAT led to more aggressive cancer characteristics.
Furthermore, HSAT plays a role in regulating blood clotting and inflammation through the thrombin/PAR-1 pathway. Since pancreatic cancer frequently coexists with increased risk of blood clots, enhancing HSAT may offer dual benefits—reducing clotting risks and hindering tumor spread. These findings suggest that therapies designed to increase HSAT expression or function could significantly impact pancreatic cancer treatment strategies.
This research not only advances our understanding of cancer biology but also opens up new possibilities for early detection via blood tests and targeted treatments aimed at restoring or enhancing HSAT levels in patients, potentially improving survival outcomes for this challenging disease.
(Source: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-09-scientists-cell-surface-sugar-pancreatic.html)
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