Bay Biosciences provides high-quality, clinical-grade biopsy tissue samples, FFPE tissue blocks with matched cryogenically preserved K2EDTA plasma, plasma, sera (serum), and peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) biofluid samples from pancreatic cancer patients.

Furthermore, our team processes the K2EDTA plasma, sera (serum), and PBMC biofluid specimens from pancreatic cancer patient’s peripheral whole blood using customized collection and processing protocols.

In addition, we collect pancreatic cancer tissue and matched biofluid samples from unique patients diagnosed with pancreatic cancer and subsequently provide them to a valued pharmaceutical customer for research, diagnostics, discovery, and drug development.

Pancreatic Cancer Overview

Malignant (cancer) cells form in the tissues of the pancreas, leading to pancreatic cancer. Specifically, most pancreatic cancer begins in the cells that line the ducts of the pancreas. Furthermore, scientists locate the pancreas behind the stomach in the back of the abdomen, near the gallbladder.

In addition, the pancreas contains glands that create hormones, including insulin, and enzymes. Notably, the pancreas has cells with endocrine (hormonal) and exocrine (digestive) functions; both types of functional cells can develop into cancer cells. Consequently, doctors find this type of cancer highly lethal because it grows and spreads rapidly, and they often diagnose it in its late stages.

Moreover, this often doesn’t cause symptoms until it spreads to other organs. In fact, most pancreatic cancers develop as adenocarcinomas. Additionally, several types of growths can appear in the pancreas, including cancerous and noncancerous tumors.

Specifically, the most common type of cancer that forms in the pancreas begins in the cells that line the ducts that carry digestive enzymes out of the pancreas (pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma).

Therefore, doctors choose pancreatic cancer treatment options based on the extent of the cancer. Ultimately, options may include surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, or a combination of these.

According to the American Cancer Society (ACS), pancreatic cancers account for about 3% of all cancers in the United States and contribute to about 7% of all cancer deaths. In 2021, the ACS expects that doctors will diagnose around 60,430 patients with pancreatic cancer.

Furthermore, chemotherapy after surgery can lower the chances of the cancer returning. Additionally it can extend life and improve the quality of life; however, it rarely cures the patient.

Functions of the Pancreas

In addition, the pancreas produces hormones in the abdomen and sits in front of the spine above the level of the belly button. Specifically, it performs the following two main functions

  • First, it makes insulin, a hormone that regulates blood sugar levels (which is an endocrine function); and
  • Second, it makes and secretes into the intestine digestive enzymes which help break down dietary proteins, fats, and carbohydrates (an exocrine function).


Ultimately, the enzymes help digestion by chopping proteins, fats, and carbohydrates into smaller parts so that they can be more easily absorbed by the body and used as building blocks for tissues and for energy.”

The pancreas releases enzymes through a system of tubes called “ducts” that connect it to the intestines, where, subsequently, the enzymes mix with ingested food.

Additionally, the pancreas resides deep in the abdomen and is close to many important structures such as the small intestine (the duodenum) and the bile ducts, as well as important blood vessels and nerves.

Types of Pancreatic Cancer

Furthermore, several types of pancreatic cancer exist, with the vast majority (more than 90 percent) of all diagnoses being adenocarcinoma of the pancreas.

Moreover, several types of pancreatic cancer exist, and, consequently, doctors diagnose the vast majority (more than 90 percent) of cases as adenocarcinoma of the pancreas.

Experts can, therefore, divide pancreatic cancer types into the following two major categories:

Firstly, doctors call cancers of the endocrine pancreas (the part that makes insulin and other hormones) “islet cell” or “pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors or PNETs.” Secondly, doctors identify cancers of the exocrine pancreas (the part that makes enzymes).

Pancreatic cancer types can be divided into the following two major categories:

  • Firstly, doctors call cancers of the endocrine pancreas (the part that makes insulin and other hormones) “islet cell” or “pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors or PNETs.
  • Secondly, doctors identify cancers of the exocrine pancreas (the part that makes enzymes).”

Islet Cell Cancers

Islet cell cancers rarely occur; however, they typically grow slowly compared to exocrine pancreatic cancers. Furthermore, islet cell tumors often release hormones into the bloodstream and are characterized by the hormones they produce.

Exocrine Cancers

On the other hand, exocrine cancers develop from the cells that line the system of ducts delivering enzymes to the small intestine and are commonly referred to as pancreatic adenocarcinomas. In fact, squamous cell pancreatic cancer is rare.

Adenocarcinoma

Moreover, most pancreatic ductal cancers are comprised of adenocarcinoma of the pancreas. Notably, cells that line the ducts in the exocrine pancreas divide more rapidly than the surrounding tissues. For reasons we do not understand, these cells can make a mistake when they copy their DNA while dividing to replace dying cells.

In this manner, an abnormal cell can emerge. Consequently, when an abnormal ductal cell divides in an unregulated way, it forms a growth made up of abnormal looking and functioning cells.

In addition, the abnormal changes that can be recognized under the microscope are called “dysplasia.” Often, dysplastic cells can undergo additional DNA mistakes over time and, as a result, become even more abnormal.

Moreover, when these dysplastic cells invade through the walls of the duct from which they arise into the surrounding tissue, they consequently cause the dysplasia to become cancer. 

Furthermore, In a recent study, researchers reported their analysis of the genes in 456 pancreatic ductal adenocarcinomas.

Subtypes

To elaborate, subsequent expression analysis defined these adenocarcinomas into four subtypes.

These subtypes have not been previously discerned. These subtypes include the following:

  • First, aberrantly differentiated endocrine exocrine (ADEX): These types of tumors display the genes (KRAS) and exocrine (NR5A2 and RBPJL) plus endocrine (NEUROD1 and NKX2-2) differentiation.
  • Immunogenic: Second, immunogenic: These types of tumors contain pathways that involve acquired immune suppression.
  • Third, pancreatic progenitor: These types of tumors express genes involved in pancreatic development such as FOXA2/3, PDX1, and MNX1.
  • Lastly, squamous: These types of tumors have enriched TP53 and KDMA mutations.


Ultimately, these new findings may allow future cancer patients to be treated more specifically depending on their subtype and, hopefully, more effectively. For example, the immunogenic subtype could possibly respond to therapy where the immune system is re-engineered to attack these types of cancer cells.

Exocrine (Nonendocrine) Pancreatic Cancer

Exocrine pancreatic cancer develops from exocrine cells, which make up the exocrine gland and ducts of the pancreas. The exocrine gland secretes enzymes that help break down carbohydrates, fats, proteins and acids in the duodenum.

The various types of exocrine pancreatic cancers make up more than 95 percent of all cancers of the pancreas.

These include the following:

Ductal Adenocarcinoma

Adenocarcinoma, also called ductal carcinoma, is the most common type of pancreatic cancer; consequently, it accounts for more than 90 percent of pancreatic cancer diagnoses. This cancer forms in the lining of the ducts in the pancreas.

Furthermore, cells that create pancreatic enzymes can also develop into adenocarcinoma. When this happens, doctors refer to it as acinar cell carcinoma, which accounts for 1 percent to 2 percent of exocrine cancers.

Acinar Cell Carcinoma

In addition, patients with acinar cell carcinoma experience symptoms similar to those of adenocarcinoma, which include abdominal pain, nausea, and weight loss. However, patients do not commonly experience jaundice. As a result of an increase in enzymes, some patients may have skin rashes and joint pain.

Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Moreover, this extremely rare nonendocrine cancer of the pancreas forms in the pancreatic ducts and consists purely of squamous cells, which are not typically seen in the pancreas.

Nevertheless, researchers have not reported enough cases of this disease for its origins to be fully understood. Studies have shown that it has a very bad prognosis because, in fact, most cases are discovered after metastasis.

Adenosquamous Carcinoma

Ultimately, this rare type of pancreatic cancer accounts for 1 percent to 4 percent of exocrine pancreatic cancers. Compared with adenocarcinoma, adenosquamous carcinoma poses a greater aggressiveness and carries a poorer prognosis.

Colloid Carcinoma

Another rare type, colloid carcinomas make up 1 percent to 3 percent of exocrine pancreatic cancers. Specifically, these tumors usually develop from a type of benign cyst called an intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm (IPMN).

Because the pancreatic colloid tumor contains malignant cells that float in a gelatinous substance called mucin, it does not spread as likely; consequently, doctors find it easier to treat than other pancreatic cancers. Neuroendocrine Pancreatic Cancer

In addition, pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (NETs) are developed from cells in the endocrine gland of the pancreas, which are responsible for the secretion of the hormones insulin and glucagon into the bloodstream to regulate blood sugar.

Moreover, also known as endocrine or islet cell tumors, neuroendocrine cancers are considered rare, with less than 5 percent of all pancreatic cancer cases being made up by them.

Benign Precancerous Lesions

Benign precancerous lesions, cysts, and other benign tumors can form in the pancreas. Furthermore, some may precede pancreatic cancers, including intraductal papillary-mucinous neoplasms (IPMNs). Often, doctors find IPMNs and other benign lesions when they scan a patient for an unrelated medical reason.

Depending on the location and type of the growth, your doctor may choose to either surgically remove the lesion or, alternatively, continue monitoring it to ensure that it does not become malignant.

 

Pancreatic Cancer Subtypes

Genetic analysis has identified the following four sub types:

  • Firstly, Aberrantly differentiated endocrine exocrine (ADEX)squamous
  • Secondly, Immunogenic
  • Thirdly, Pancreatic progenitor
  • Finally, Squamous

Signs and Symptoms of Pancreatic Cancer

On the other hand, the symptoms of pancreatic cancer often do not appear until the later stages. Additionally, they can also resemble the symptoms of other conditions, which can make diagnosis more challenging. If, however, the cancer spreads, new symptoms can appear elsewhere in the body.

Following are some of the common symptoms:

Causes of Pancreatic Cancer

Scientists do not know the cause of pancreatic cancer. Abnormal cells begin to grow within the pancreas and form tumors. However, it’s unclear why this happens.

Usually, healthy cells grow and die in moderate numbers. In the case of cancer, the body, consequently, increases the production of abnormal cells.

These cells eventually take over healthy cells. While researchers do not know the underlying cause of pancreatic cancer, certain factors, in fact, may increase your risk of developing it.

Risk Factors of Pancreatic Cancer

Here are some that, specifically, increase the risk of developing pancreatic cancer:

Genetic Factors

Some evidence, for instance, suggests that families pass down pancreatic cancer.

Moreover, certain genetic conditions that may have links to pancreatic cancer include the following:

Sex and Age

Pancreatic cancer affects more males than females. According to the American Cancer Society (ACS) estimates this year about 62,210 people (32,970 men and 29,240 women) will be diagnosed with pancreatic cancer.

Although pancreatic cancer can occur at any age, including during childhood it is more likely to appear after the age of 55 years.

Exposure to Environmental Toxins

Exposure to chemicals used in dry cleaning or metalworking may increase the risk of pancreatic cancer.

Other Medical Factors

Patients with the following health conditions may have a higher risk of pancreatic cancer:

Lifestyle Factors

Some lifestyle factors may also contribute to the development of pancreatic cancer, such as:

  • Consuming two or more soft drinks per day 
  • Eating a diet that is high in red meat and fat and low in fruits and vegetables
  • Drinking a lot of alcohol over time 
  • Having excess weight
  • Getting low levels of exercise
  • Smoking

Pancreatic Cancer Racial Inequalities

Statistics show that black Americans are more likely to develop pancreatic cancer than any other group in the United States.

A recent study notes that the most likely explanation for this is social inequality. This impacts outcomes in various ways, including the availability of effective treatment options. This inequity affects both Black and Hispanic Americans.

The Pancreatic Cancer Action Network urges Black Americans to participate in clinical trials. This not only gives them access to treatment that might otherwise be unavailable, but it also increases the likelihood of research taking Black people’s needs into account.

Pancreatic Cancer Stages and outlook

The outlook for pancreatic cancer depends partly on which stage it is at when a doctor diagnoses it. A cancers stage refers to how far it has spread.

For pancreatic cancer, the stages are:

  • Stage 1: The cancer is in the pancreas. It is localized.
  • Stage 2: The cancer has reached the bile duct and other structures but not the lymph nodes. It is regional.
  • Stage 3: The cancer affects the lymph nodes but is still regional.
  • Stage 4: The cancer has reached other organs and parts of the body. It is distant.

According to the ACS a patient who receives a diagnosis of pancreatic cancer has the following chances of surviving for another 5 years or longer compared with someone who does not have the condition:

  • 39% when it is localized
  • 13% when it is regional
  • 3% when it is distant

In the early stages, treatment may be able to remove the cancer from the pancreas. As the cancer progresses, however, this becomes more challenging.

According to an article,  in around 23% of people with pancreatic cancer, the tumor is localized at the time of diagnosis. However, about 52% of people receive a diagnosis when it has already spread to other parts of the body.

Diagnosis of Pancreatic Cancer

Your doctor will ask about symptoms, take a family and medical history, and carry out a physical examination. They may also recommend some tests.

Some of the following diagnostic tests may be recommend by your doctor to diagnose pancreatic cancer :

Treatment of Pancreatic Cancer

The treatment options will depend on:

  • Type of pancreatic cancer a patient has
  • Cancer stage 
  • Patient’s age, overall health, and other characteristics
  • Personal choices

Treatment aims to:

  • Remove the cancer
  • Delay or stop its progress
  • Relieve the symptoms

Surgery

If the cancer is localized at the time of diagnosis, it may be possible to eliminate the cancer cells by removing all or part of the pancreas.

The three main surgical procedures for pancreatic cancer are:

Whipple Procedure

In a Whipple procedure, a surgeon removes the pancreas head and sometimes the whole pancreas, along with a portion of the stomach, duodenum, lymph nodes, and other tissue.

Complications include leaking, infections, bleeding, and stomach problems.

Distal Pancreatectomy

In distal pancreatectomy, the surgeon removes part of the pancreas and usually the spleen as well.

The spleen supports the immune system, so there may be a higher risk of infection after its removal.

Total pancreatectomy

In total pancreatectomy, the surgeon removes the entire pancreas and spleen.

A person can live without a pancreas, but diabetes may develop because the body no longer produces insulin cells.

Palliative Surgery

Palliative surgery can help relieve symptoms such as obstructions in the bile duct or duodenum.

A surgeon can create a bypass so that bile can continue to flow from the liver. This can minimize pain and digestive problems.

Another option is to insert a small stent in the bile duct to keep it open. This is a less invasive procedure using an endoscope.

Embolization

In embolization, a doctor will into an artery a substance that stops blood from reaching the cancer cells. Without the blood supply, these cells will die.

Side effects of embolization include abdominal pain, nausea, fever, infections, and a risk of blood clots in the area of the injection.

Ablation

Ablation uses heat or cold to destroy a tumor. It may help with tumors that are smaller than one inch across. A surgeon will insert a needle or a probe to apply the treatment. Possible side effects include pain, infections, and internal bleeding.

Targeted Therapy

This is a newer approach than chemotherapy. It stops cancer cells from developing by targeting substances they need to grow.

There are different types of targeted therapy, such as:

  • EGFR inhibitors, which block the EGFR protein
  • PARP inhibitors, which block PARP enzymes
  • NTRK inhibitors

Unlike chemotherapy, these drugs have specific targets, so their impact on the whole body is lessened. However, they can still have adverse effects, which will depend on the type of treatment a person receives.

Immunotherapy

Immunotherapy works by helping the body’s immune system recognize and destroy cancer cells.

PD-1 inhibitors are one type of immunotherapy that may help treat pancreatic cancer. People receive this treatment as an infusion once every 2–3 weeks.

Possible side effects include fatigue, a cough, a rash, and joint pain.

Radiation Therapy

Radiation Therapy destroys cancer by focusing high energy rays on the cancer cells. It can shrink or remove a tumor. 

Like chemotherapy, it can cause some side effects, such as skin changes, gastrointestinal disturbances, and fatigue. However, these usually pass after completing treatment.

A person may receive radiation therapy either alone or with other treatments, usually on five days per week for several weeks.

Diseases with similar symptoms like pancreatic cancer

Before making a diagnosis, a doctor will need to rule out other possible causes of the symptoms.

These could include:

  • Acute pancreatitis
  • Chronic pancreatitis
  • Cholangitis
  • Cholecystitis
  • Peptic ulcer disease
  • Stomach cancer

Prevention of Pancreatic Cancer

No specific measure can prevent pancreatic cancer, but some lifestyle choices can help reduce the risk.

These include:

  • Eating fresh fruits and vegetables
  • Maintaining a moderate weight
  • Exercising often
  • Limiting one’s intake of red meat
  • Quitting smoking

Biospecimens

Bay Biosciences is, indeed a global leader in providing researchers with high quality, clinical grade, fully characterized human tissue samples, bio-specimens, and human bio-fluid collections.

Specifically, aamples available include cancer (tumor) tissue, cancer serum, cancer plasma, cancer, peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC). and human tissue samples from most other therapeutic areas and diseases.

Moreover, Bay Biosciences maintains and manages its own biorepository, the human tissue bank (biobank) consisting of thousands of diseased samples (specimens) and from normal healthy donors available in all formats and types.

In fact, our biobank procures and stores fully consented, de-identified and institutional review boards (IRB) approved human tissue samples and matched controls.

Additionally, all our human tissue collections, human specimens and human bio-fluids are provided with detailed, samples associated patient’s clinical data.

In particular, critical patient’s clinical data includes information relating to their past and current disease, treatment history, lifestyle choices, biomarkers, and genetic information.

Moreover, patient’s data is extremely valuable for researchers and is used to help identify new effective treatments (drug discovery & development) in oncology, and other therapeutic areas and diseases.

Specifically, Bay Biosciences banks wide variety of human tissue samples and biological samples, including cryogenically preserved at – 80°C.

For example fresh frozen tissue samples, tumor tissue samples, formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE), tissue slides, with matching human bio-fluids, whole blood and blood-derived products such as serum, plasma and PBMC.

Furthermore, Bay Biosciences is a global leader in collecting and providing human tissue samples according to the specified requirements and customized, tailor-made collection protocols.

Therefore, please contact us anytime to discuss your special research projects and customized human tissue sample requirements.

Types of Biospecimens

Bay Biosciences provides human tissue samples (human specimens) from diseased and normal healthy donors which includes:

Customized Collections

Moreover, we can also procure most human bio-specimens, furthermore; we offer special collections and requests for human samples that are difficult to find. All our human tissue samples are procured through IRB-approved clinical protocols and procedures.

In addition to the standard processing protocols, Bay Biosciences can also provide human plasma, serum, and PBMC bio-fluid samples using custom processing protocols. Additionally you buy donor-specific collections in higher volumes and specified sample aliquots from us.

Furthermore, Bay Biosciences also provides human samples from normal healthy donors; volunteers, for controls and clinical research, contact us Now.

 

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