Pancreatic Pre-Cancerous Lesions Remain Stable Due to Microenvironment

Researchers reported that hundreds of pre-cancerous lesions called PanINs form in the pancreas after age 40. The lesions rarely progress to pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma because of protective factors in the surrounding tissue environment. The microenvironment surrounding the lesions appears to limit progression to cancer.

Officials at the institutions conducting the research stated that this protective mechanism explains why most PanINs remain stable.

PanINs are considered pre-cancerous lesions.

They occur frequently in adults over age 40 but seldom advance to pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma. The new findings focus on the role of the tissue environment around the lesions. Researchers said the microenvironment provides a barrier that prevents most lesions from becoming invasive cancer.

Further studies are planned to examine how the microenvironment maintains stability. Officials said additional work could identify ways to strengthen these protective effects.