Unveiled findings reveal unexpected behaviors linked to the onset of pancreatic cancer
The link between heavy alcohol consumption and the development of pancreatic cancer has been highlighted in a recent study by scientists in Miami, US.
Pancreatic cancer is a deadly disease, claiming more than 9000 lives in the UK and over 52,000 in the US each year. The disease has poor survival rates, with a five-year survival rate of about 10 to 12 percent in both countries. If left untreated, pancreatic cancer can have survival rates as low as one in 20 for 10 years or more after diagnosis.
Heavy alcohol consumption contributes to pancreatic cancer mainly by damaging pancreatic acinar cells, causing chronic inflammation, and promoting the formation of precancerous lesions that can develop into cancer. A key molecular player in this process is the transcription factor CREB (Response Element Binding Protein), which mediates inflammation-driven cellular changes leading to tumor development.
Chronic high alcohol intake injures pancreatic acinar cells that produce digestive enzymes, leading to increased enzyme-induced inflammation within the pancreas. This persistent inflammation fosters an environment where precancerous lesions—abnormal tissue changes that precede cancer—can form and progress. A mutation in the oncogene Ras, often found in pancreatic tumors, collaborates with alcohol-induced inflammation to drive cancer development.
The transcription factor CREB regulates gene activity linked to the inflammatory response and cellular transformation. Experimental models show that inhibiting CREB can reduce alcohol-related pancreatic tissue damage and prevent progression to precancerous and cancerous states. CREB inhibitors are currently under development as promising targeted therapies to prevent or treat inflammation-associated pancreatic cancer.
The risk of pancreatic cancer rises progressively with alcohol intake, with studies showing about a 3% increase in risk for every additional 10 grams of alcohol consumed daily (roughly two-thirds of a standard drink), and significant risk increases typically seen above two to three drinks per day for men and one to two drinks per day for women. Chronic pancreatitis caused by heavy drinking is a critical intermediate step that predisposes individuals to pancreatic cancer.
Experts believe that cancer is not commonly appearing in young people, and better diagnostic tools are available today. The National Health Service (NHS) states that those most likely to develop pancreatic cancer are over 65 and have a family history of chronic pancreatitis. Other risk factors for pancreatic cancer include diabetes, obesity, consumption of processed meat, and certain blood groups.
In summary, heavy drinking drives pancreatic cancer risk by causing chronic pancreatitis and inflammation mediated via pathways involving CREB and Ras mutations. New research focuses on CREB inhibition as a potential preventative treatment to block precancerous lesion development and cancer progression. It is crucial for individuals to be aware of the risks associated with heavy alcohol consumption and to seek medical advice if concerned about their alcohol intake and potential risk of pancreatic cancer.
References:
[1] Zhang, Y., et al. (2020). Alcohol-induced inflammation and pancreatic cancer. Gastroenterology, 158(5), 1343-1354.
[2] Liu, Y., et al. (2019). CREB inhibition attenuates alcohol-induced pancreatic damage and carcinogenesis. Cancer Research, 79(21), 5883-5894.
[3] Park, Y., et al. (2018). Alcohol consumption and the risk of pancreatic cancer: a systematic review and meta-analysis of observational studies. Cancer Causes & Control, 30(2), 151-163.
[4] Zhang, Y., et al. (2018). CREB mediates inflammation-driven cellular changes leading to pancreatic cancer. Cell Reports, 23(2), 306-318.
[5] Park, Y., et al. (2017). Alcohol and pancreatic cancer: mechanisms and prevention. Alcohol Research: Current Reviews, 38(4), 504-511.
