The pancreatic cancer is one of the most formidable forms of cancer, largely due to its often late diagnosis. In France, around 14,000 new cases are diagnosed each year, while globally this figure reaches almost 460,000, as indicated by the National Institute of Health and Medical Research (Inserm). Prevention and understanding risk factors are essential to combat this disease.
In a press release, published on October 21, Inserm recalls that people suffering from type 2 diabetes (around 4 million French people and 537 million people worldwide), are at increased risk of developing pancreatic diseases. As the Léon Bérard Cancer Center explains, at the time of diagnosis of pancreatic cancer, diabetes is present in 40 to 60% of patients.
New link established between type 2 diabetes and pancreatic cancer
A recent study, published in the scientific journal Diabeteswas conducted to explore a complex connection between type 2 diabetes and pancreatic cancer. The researchers – resulting from a collaboration between Inserm, the CNRS, the Lille University Hospital, the University of Lille and the Pasteur Institute of Lille – focused on epigenetic modifications – that is to say the way in which certain genes can be activated or deactivated, without changing our DNA. To do this, they highlighted a particular gene, PNLIPRP1, in people with type 2 diabetes (T2D). This gene is often “turned off” in these individuals, which influences lipid metabolism, notably by increasing the rate of bad cholesterol (LDL) in the blood. “To our knowledge, this is the first epigenetic study of the impact of T2D on the entire pancreas” we can read in the report of the study.
To do this, scientists analyzed pancreas samples taken from 141 donors. They discovered that diabetes causes an epigenetic modification of the PNLIPRP1 gene, which affects its activity. This reduction in gene activity is linked to problems with cholesterol regulation, leading to an increased risk of pancreatic diseases, such as pancreatitis and early forms of pancreatic cancer. Through this analysis of the role of epigenetics, researchers also discovered that “the use of statins, drugs commonly used to lower cholesterol, could interrupt this process at the cellular level and thus protect patients against pancreatic cancer,” as indicated by Inserm.
Pancreatic cancer: what are the symptoms, and how to prevent this disease?
Pancreatic cancer is a disease of the cells of the pancreas, which develops from an initially normal cell which transforms and multiplies in an anarchic manner, until forming a mass called a malignant tumor. As indicated by the National Cancer Institute (INC), the number of new cases is increasing in France, with 15,991 new cases in 2023. According to Dr. Pauline Guillouche, gastroenterologist and hematologist previously interviewed by Current Womanit is very difficult to detect due to the lack of early signs, which often leads to diagnosis at a late stage. Symptoms may include unexplained fatigue, weight loss, abdominal pain radiating to the back, and jaundice, which is a common presentation of the disease.
Among the main risk factors identified by Dr. Guillouche are smoking, obesity, and diabetes. Although genetic predispositions only represent about 5% of cases, they remain a factor to consider. People with chronic pancreatitis are also at greater risk. To prevent this cancer, Dr. Guillouche insists on the importance of a healthy lifestyle, recommending a Mediterranean dietrich in fruits, vegetables, fish and vegetable oils, while limiting processed and sugary foods, she explained to Current Woman. She also advises practicing at least 30 minutes of physical activity daily and avoid tobacco and alcohol. She emphasizes that it is crucial to talk to a doctor if you have a family history of pancreatic cancer.
Sources :
- Diabetes: discovery of new links between type 2 diabetes and pancreatic cancer – Inserm press room – October 21, 2024
- PNLIPRP1 Hypermethylation in Exocrine Pancreas Links Type 2 Diabetes and Cholesterol Metabolism – Diabetes – 13 août 2024
- Pancreatic cancers: key points – National Cancer Institute – July 4, 2023
- Pancreatic cancer – Environmental cancer – Léon Bérard Cancer Center
