STAT3 Activation Fuels Tumor Growth: Inflammatory stress activates STAT3 leading to increased ITGB3 expression which accelerates the onset and progression of pancreatic cancer.
Novel Predictive Gene Signature Discovered: Researchers have identified a 10-gene “STRESS” signature that more precisely forecasts pancreatic cancer risk and aggressiveness.
Advancing Early Detection and Treatment: These insights pave the way for precision screening tools and personalized therapies targeting inflammation-driven cancer progression.

To become malignant precancerous cells must overcome challenges posed by cellular stress and inflammation. Researchers at the University of California San Diego School of Medicine have now identified a vital connection between these stressors and pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), one of the most aggressive and fatal cancers. Their discoveries hold promise for developing early detection methods that could identify PDAC before it advances to a critical stage.

Uncovering the Role of STAT3 in Stress Response
Although previous studies established that inflammation and cellular stress activate STAT3 (signal transducer and activator of transcription 3) in pancreatic cells—thereby supporting tumor formation and resistance to therapy—the exact mechanism remained unclear.

In this new research, scientists demonstrated that STAT3 switches on specific genes that help pancreatic cancer cells adapt and survive under inflammatory and stressful conditions. Major findings include:

Researchers at UC San Diego have found that inflammation and low oxygen stress activate STAT3, which in turn triggers the gene ITGB3, accelerating pancreatic cancer (PDAC) development. This STAT3-driven "STRESS" gene signature—including ITGB3—predicts both cancer onset and tumor aggressiveness better than existing markers. Blocking this pathway delayed tumor growth, offering potential for early detection and precision treatments. The team is now exploring therapies to prevent ITGB3 activation in pancreatic and other epithelial cancers like lung, breast, and skin.

Source: https://clpmag.com/disease-states/cancer/pancreatic/pancreatic-cancer-has-genetic-early-warning-system/