(NewsReady.com) – Pancreatic cancer is one of the most aggressive diseases. People who are diagnosed when the cancer spreads, or a tumor grows are only given a few years to live. Some people defy the odds and live longer, though. A new study has found bacteria might help prolong the lives of some.
Research from the University of Cincinnati (UC) Cancer Center suggests pancreatic cancer survivors have guy microbiome that could play a part in the immune response to the disease. Health Day reported Dr. Jordan Kharofa, a physician-researcher, said his team studied microbiome data from a control group of patients with pancreatic cancer and a group of survivors. They discovered the long-term survivors had increased levels of bacteria, including Faecalibacterium prausnitzii, a common bacteria found in the large intestine.
Could Gut Microbes Affect Pancreatic Cancer Survival?
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The researchers noted gut bacteria has been previously associated with improved responses to immunotherapy for people who have melanoma. That is the most deadly and aggressive form of skin cancer. Kharofa said the medical community is beginning to understand microbiomes are an important part of the immune response. However, the doctor explained that there isn’t any proof yet that it helps “promote [an] immune response to pancreas cancer.”
The doctor went on to say that scientists will begin a more in-depth exploration into what that means for pancreatic cancer patients. He said they’re “excited to explore [it] further.”
Only about 10% of patients who are diagnosed with pancreatic cancer live beyond five years. According to Orlando Health, people who get pancreatic cancer oftentimes don’t know they have it. That allows it to spread while it goes undetected in the body.
There are signs to look for. If you are experiencing abdominal pain or discomfort, back pain, amber-colored urine, fatty or oily stool, the feeling of being full, vomiting, or yellowing of your skin or eyes, contact your doctor and voice your concerns.
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