The survival rate of pancreatic cancer is very low. In the past 40 years, the survival rate has not changed significantly. Finding effective treatments is an urgent challenge for researchers. For many years, tamoxifen has been used to treat breast cancer because it inhibits estrogen to stimulate breast tumor growth. Recently, studies have shown that tamoxifen may be used to treat pancreatic cancer. The research team proved that tamoxifen can help change the physical environment of mouse tumor growth, regulate scar tissue development, inflammation and immune response. The research results are published in “EMBO Report”.
Pancreatic cancer, like most solid tumors, is surrounded by a large amount of connective tissue. The stiff scar-like tissues are like scaffolding around tumors. They block the delivery of drugs by preventing chemotherapy drugs from reaching the tumor. They also regulate the growth and spread of tumors. The formation of connective tissue in pancreatic tumors is driven by pancreatic stellate cells (PSCs), which are strengthened by the application of physical force and remodeling of the tissue structure.
When the researchers studied the mouse pancreatic tumor model, they discovered interactions between cells around the pancreatic tumor, and also studied how tamoxifen changed the physical environment around the pancreatic tumor. Tamoxifen has the ability to inhibit the connective tissue around PSC sclerosis tumors and prevent the surrounding environment from becoming hard. Tamoxifen regulates the immune response and can inhibit the invasion and spread of cancer cells. Moreover, the cells in the pancreatic tumor are exposed to very little oxygen, which creates a protective mechanism: when the oxygen level drops, the cell releases a molecule called hypoxia inducible factor (HIF), which helps cancer cells Survive under conditions. But tamoxifen can inhibit the production of HIF, making cancer cells susceptible to low oxygen levels and more likely to die. But this work is currently carried out on cell culture and mouse models, so more research is needed before it can be applied to human patients.
Susan Hau is a distinguished researcher in the field of cancer cell therapy, with a particular focus on T cell-based approaches and cancer vaccines. Her work spans several innovative treatment modalities, including CAR T-cell therapy, TIL (Tumor-Infiltrating Lymphocyte) therapy, and NK (Natural Killer) cell therapy.
Hau's expertise lies in cancer cell biology, where she has made significant contributions to understanding the complex interactions between immune cells and tumors.
Her research aims to enhance the efficacy of immunotherapies by manipulating the tumor microenvironment and exploring novel ways to activate and direct immune responses against cancer cells.
Throughout her career, Hau has collaborated with leading professors and researchers in the field of cancer treatment, both in the United States and China.
These international experiences have broadened her perspective and contributed to her innovative approach to cancer therapy development.
Hau's work is particularly focused on addressing the challenges of treating advanced and metastatic cancers. She has been involved in clinical trials evaluating the safety and efficacy of various immunotherapy approaches, including the promising Gamma Delta T cell therapy.
