Since its creation in 1998, the Ronald S. Hirshberg Translational Pancreatic Cancer Research Laboratory has been at the forefront of pancreatic cancer research. Helmed by Dr. Guido Eibl, the lab is focused on understanding the intricate ways diet, obesity and inflammation can accelerate tumor development. Dr. Eibl and his research team have an accomplished track-record of NIH-funded projects. Despite the uncertainties in research due to COVID, Dr. Eibl and his team continues to publish in prominent journals and receive significant, multi-project funding from NIH.

The Translational Lab has been a pioneer with collaborative projects and we look forward to sharing their progress. 

Publications from the Translational Laboratory in 2021

1. Direct Effects of Lipopolysaccharide on Human Pancreatic Cancer Cells.Pancreas 2021;50(4):524-528 (PMCID: PMC8097724)

R.L.Massoumi, Y.Teper, S.Ako, L.Ye, E.Wang, O.J.Hines, G.Eibl.

This paper provides evidence that lipopolysaccharide, a component of bacteria that is elevated during obesity, has direct effects on pancreatic cancer cells. This may explain why in the obese state pancreatic cancer cells seem to grow more quickly.

Pancreas is a multidisciplinary, international journal involving both basic and clinical research on the exocrine and endocrine pancreas and their interrelationships and consequences in pancreatic diseases, including cancer.

2. Metformin: Review of Epidemiology and Mechanisms of Action in Pancreatic Cancer. Cancer and Metastasis Reviews 2021,40(3):865-878 (PMCID: PMC8556217)

E.Rozengurt, G.Eibl.

The paper reviews the current literature on the role and actions of metformin, a widely used anti-diabetic drug, in pancreatic cancer. Our own data and evidence from epidemiologic and preclinical studies, show that the antidiabetic drug metformin possesses beneficial effects in pancreatic cancer, including reducing the risk of developing the disease and improving survival in patients with early-stage disease.

Cancer and Metastasis Reviews is a quarterly peer-reviewed medical review journal covering oncology and the development of new cancer treatments.

3. Obesity and Pancreatic Cancer: Insight into Mechanisms. Cancers 2021,13(20):5067 (PMCID: PMC8534007)

G.Eibl, E.Rozengurt.

This publication summarizes epidemiologic and preclinical evidence and novel concepts by which obesity promotes pancreatic cancer. Among various potential mechanisms linking obesity with pancreatic cancer, the adipose tissue and obesity-associated adipose tissue inflammation play a central role. This review paper discusses selected topics and mechanisms that attracted recent interest and that may underlie the promoting effects of obesity in pancreatic cancer.

Cancers is a peer-reviewed, open access medical journal of the oncology field published semimonthly.

4. Crosstalk between KRAS, SRC and YAP Signaling in Pancreatic Cancer: Interactions Leading to Aggressive Disease and Drug Resistance. Cancers 2021,13(20):5126 (PMCID: PMC8533944)

E.Rozengurt, G.Eibl.

This manuscript surveys the current literature on the role of SRC and YAP in pancreatic cancer. It postulates, supported by novel original data of our own, that a complex signaling network exists between SRC, YAP, and Kras, which emphasizes the therapeutic potential of a combination of SRC and MEK inhibitors.

With additional publications under review and grant proposals under consideration, we look forward to sharing updates from Dr. Eibl and his lab in the near future.

The Sahin-Toth Laboratory focuses on hereditary chronic pancreatitis, a major risk factor for pancreatic cancer. Working in collaboration with the Dr. Guido Eibl’s The Ronald S. Hirshberg Translational Pancreatic Cancer Research Laboratory, they seek to better understand how diet, genetics, obesity, and inflammation contribute to pancreatic cancer acceleration.

As Dr. Sahin-Toth wrote in the lab report, “2021 was about re-building the lab after the devastation COVID inflicted on the research community.” With four new researchers in the lab, there is a new energy and enthusiasm which is driving several exciting projects. Despite the altered landscape of research in the COVID era, the Sahin-Toth lab continues to publish in renowned journals, receive NIH funding, and advance our understanding of pancreatic cancer research. The lab faces 2022 with, “strong momentum” and we are hopeful for another productive and successful year to come.

Publications from the Sahin-Toth Laboratory in 2021

1. Defective binding of SPINK1 variants is an uncommon mechanism for impaired trypsin inhibition in chronic pancreatitis. J Biol Chem 2021, 296:100343. PMC7949130

Szabó A, Toldi V, Gazda LD, Demcsák A, Tőzsér J, Sahin-Tóth M.

This biochemical study demonstrated that pancreatitis-associated mutations in the SPINK1 gene rarely alter binding of the trypsin inhibitor to its target, trypsin. Instead, the vast majority of mutations reduce expression of protective SPINK1.

The Journal of Biological Chemistry is the preeminent biochemical journal of the American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology.

2. Mouse model suggests limited role for human mesotrypsin in pancreatitis. Pancreatology 2021, 21:342-352. PMC7969449

Mosztbacher D, Sahin-Tóth M.

This study tested the potential role of mesotrypsin in pancreatitis using a novel genetically modified mouse model. Mesotrypsin is a human digestive protease uniquely resistant to trypsin inhibitors and capable of degrading those. While our findings do not support a significant role for mesotrypsin in pancreatitis, the conclusions further strengthen the already established importance of the other trypsin isoforms.

Pancreatology is the official journal of the International Association of Pancreatology and the European Pancreatic Club.

3. Sentinel acute pancreatitis event increases severity of subsequent episodes in mice. Gastroenterology 2021, 161:1692-1694. PMC8545756

Geisz A, Sahin-Tóth M.

This paradigm-shifting study provided experimental evidence for the SAPE hypothesis which posits that the first episode of acute pancreatitis sensitizes patients for subsequent episodes and progression of their disease.

Gastroenterology is the official journal of the American Gastroenterological Association (AGA) and the most prominent US publication in the gastroenterological sciences.

4. Common calcium-sensing receptor (CASR) gene variants do not modify risk for chronic pancreatitis in a Hungarian cohort. Pancreatology 2021, 21:1305-1310. PMC8663126

Takáts A, Berke G, Szentesi A, Farkas G Jr, Izbéki F, Erőss B, Czakó L, Vincze Á, Hegyi P, Sahin-Tóth M, Hegyi E.

This study resolved the contentious issue whether common variants in the CASR gene increased risk for chronic pancreatitis. Our findings conclusively demonstrated that these gene variants should not be considered risk factors in the clinical setting.

Pancreatology is the official journal of the International Association of Pancreatology and the European Pancreatic Club.

5. Evolutionary expansion of polyaspartate motif in the activation peptide of mouse cationic trypsinogen limits autoactivation and protects against pancreatitis. Am J Physiol Gastrointest Liver Physiol 2021, 321:G719-G734. PMC8668397

Orekhova A, Németh BC, Jancsó Z, Geisz A, Mosztbacher D, Demcsák A, Sahin-Tóth M.

This interesting study utilized protease biochemistry and a new genetically engineered mouse model to demonstrate that mouse cationic trypsinogen evolved features that limit accidental activation and prevent pancreatitis. The findings confirm and extend the notion that unwanted intrapancreatic activity of the digestive protease trypsin plays a central role in pancreatitis development and progression.

The American Journal of Physiology – Gastrointestinal and Liver Physiology is an official journal of the American Physiological Society.

6. Mouse models of trypsin-dependent pancreatitis. Pancreapedia: Exocrine Pancreas Knowledge Base, DOI: 10.3998/panc.2021.11

Sahin-Tóth M.

This contribution reviews novel mouse models designed to understand how intrapancreatic trypsin activity causes pancreatitis and how these mice will be useful for preclinical testing of novel therapies targeting trypsin.

The Pancreapedia is an open-access scientific information repository designed to expedite research on the exocrine pancreas.

This week’s release of the American Cancer Society (ACS) Cancer Facts & Figures Report shows an increase to 11% in the 5-year survival rate for all stages. Seeing this marked improvement in survival rates shows that we’re headed in the right direction in making a difference for the pancreatic cancer community.

An increase in the overall 5-year survival rate* for pancreatic cancer means more time with loved ones, greater hope for patients, and shows that our work is truly moving the needle. "This is positive news and it’s what we like to see. Statistics, however, can’t be the only driving force in this fight," says Agi Hirshberg, the Foundation Founder. "Moms, dads, and loved ones who courageously fight to beat the odds – they are our inspiration to find a cure. Our community is funding the best research in the world, and we’re doing it in honor of the people we love."

Our recent funding of 8 new Seed Grants continues to drive research and advance our understanding of this disease, with over 105 grants to date. With projects focused on targeted therapy, early detection, and prevention for high-risk individuals, our teams are striving to improve patient outcomes. Learn more about these Seed Grant projects in the most recent edition of our Momentum Newsletter.

The ACS report shares that 62,210 people in the US will be diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in 2022, a 2.8% increase from last year and a steadfast reminder of how important it is for each of us to take action today. Make 2022 the year to establish a personal cancer prevention plan for 2022 by learning the risk factors and facts about pancreatic cancer. If you or someone you know has been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, contact us today.

Resources for Patients, Preventions, and Education

As this new data is reviewed, we encourage you to be proactive and utilize the many resources available to our community. “We empower our community with resources, support, and education to fight for a cancer-free life,” shares Executive Director, Lisa Manheim. The actions we take for our own health and the health of our loved ones will help us beat the statistics.

* The five-year survival rate, for the sake of this report, was determined by stage at diagnosis from 2011-2017 in the US.

As this year comes to close, there is so much that we are thankful for, from reuniting in person at our Fall events, to our full roster of Seed Grants to a new year of possibility. It has been a busy and fulfilling year, and we are so grateful for our pancreatic cancer community.

Together we are driving research towards a cure while supporting all patients and families facing pancreatic cancer. The work we do is made possible thanks to your support.

It’s World Pancreatic Cancer Day! So, let’s make a plan and take action to fight this disease today and in our everyday lives! This is a time to reflect on all of the lives impacted by this disease and answer a global call-to-action together. We all have a part to play, whether you join our annual Celebrate, Participate & Dedicate campaign through November, share our  awareness video with friends and family on social media or make a donation in honor of a loved one. There are countless ways to color your world purple and shine a light on this disease!

Here are some easy ways to learn and share facts about this disease, raise awareness and make sure no patient or caregiver fights this disease alone.

Celebrate

Pampered Chef fundraising event →
Make purple purchase in our e-store →
Start Planning your Event →

Participate

Join the 2022 Hirshberg Training Team →
Start a Facebook Fundraiser →
Create a Fund in Honor of a Loved One →

Dedicate

Write a Message of Hope for Survivors →
Share Your Story →
Read Never Give Up Stories! →

Answering a Call-to-Action has Real-life Results

What is the real-life impact of sharing the facts with friends and family, wearing purple to work or posting our  November Awareness video on social media? Each action is more important than you may realize. Too few people know what the pancreas is, let alone the facts, symptoms risk factors of pancreatic cancer. Far too many are diagnosed at a late stage, in part because of a lack of awareness and because there is not yet a standard for early detection. When you raise awareness you are empower others, when you fundraise you are advancing critical research and when you introduce your community to the Hirshberg Foundation, that message will spread far and wide reaching a patients. Our actions change lives!

World Pancreatic Cancer Coalition Advocacy

The Hirshberg Foundation has been a member of the World Pancreatic Cancer Coalition since its inception and today it has 90 member organizations from more than 30 countries on 6 continents! Our unified message is simple, “It’s About Time”. On World Pancreatic Cancer Day, our goal is to work together and make time to get to know your pancreas and learn the risks and symptoms. Every moment matters. Advocate for a patient, help the Hirshberg Foundation fund research and join us in our efforts year-round. We encourage you and your loved ones There is no early detection test, so listen to your body and talk to your doctor about any concerns. It’s about time that we talk about this disease out in the open, that all of us raise our voices and fight this disease like never before. Watch the Coalition’s ’It’s About Time to Raise Awareness’ Video today!

We are delighted to have Esther Lee, DPT, as our Honorary Starter for the 2021 LA Cancer Challenge Walk/Run. The LACC Honorary Starter is a special honor we bestow each year on a pancreatic cancer survivor who has shown great courage, strength and positivity throughout their cancer journey.

Diagnosed in July 2020 with stage IV pancreatic neuroendocrine tumor with metastasis, Esther faced a long and bumpy treatment journey that she is still on. Through it all she exemplifies grace and expresses gratitude every step of the way. In Esther’s own words, “I’ve truly learned to take it one day at a time, the greatest challenge being fully present in each day, moment by moment… this is the amazing place of peace and gratitude.”

Learn more about Esther in this short video

Esther is a source of joy and inspiration to everyone she meets, including her long-time client Serena Williams. The tennis icon and Esther’s dear friend shared a heartfelt video rallying support for Esther and her team.

Watch Serena’s video

Esther has the amazing support of her family, friends and her medical team at UCLA. On October 31, 2021, we rally for Esther and all those facing pancreatic cancer to walk for research, race towards a cure and never give up!