Scientists at the Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB) have taken an important step forward in pancreatic cancer research. By mapping the healthy pancreas in unprecedented detail at the cellular level, they discovered that certain rare cell populations within the healthy organ already share striking similarities with the most aggressive tumour cells. This fundamental discovery, published in the leading scientific journal Gut, opens up new possibilities for the early detection and targeted treatment of this deadly disease.
Pancreatic cancer is widely regarded as one of the most aggressive and difficult-to-treat forms of cancer. One reason for this is that the biological origins of its different tumour types have remained largely unclear. Traditionally, the ductal tissue of the pancreas — where most pancreatic tumours arise — was thought to be a relatively simple structure consisting of just one basic cell type. Researchers at the VUB’s Translational Oncology Research Centre, led by Professor Ilse Rooman, have now fundamentally changed that view.
Working alongside colleagues, PhD researcher Jan-Lars Van den Bossche created a highly detailed map of the healthy human pancreas. Using advanced new technologies, the team discovered that the major pancreatic ducts can possess a layered structure. Within these ducts, they identified a rare population of cells with characteristics that had previously been associated exclusively with aggressive cancer cells.
“Understanding cancer begins with understanding the healthy organ,” explains Professor Rooman. “Now that we know these cells are naturally present, we can investigate whether they play a role in tumour development. This could create opportunities for earlier detection.”
When the researchers compared their findings with tissue samples from pancreatic cancer patients, significant differences emerged. In the most common form of pancreatic cancer, pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), the original cellular organisation was found to be completely disrupted.
This contrasts sharply with adenosquamous carcinoma of the pancreas (ASCP), a much rarer but extremely aggressive subtype. In ASCP tumours, the specific cell types and their precise spatial organisation were found to be almost perfectly preserved from the healthy pancreas.
The findings have important implications for future research and treatment. At present, patients with the rarer ASCP subtype are treated in exactly the same way as those with the more common form of pancreatic cancer. The researchers argue that this approach should be reconsidered. By revealing these previously unknown cellular structures, the study offers a new perspective on how such tumours might be targeted more effectively in the future.