How Smoking Fuels Pancreatic Cancer Growth and Worsens Outcomes: Study Finds Out

Published On 2025-09-08 02:45 GMT   |   Update On 2025-09-08 09:47 GMT
Advertisement

A new study published in Cancer Discovery, a journal of the American Association for Cancer Research, sheds light on why smokers have a higher risk of developing pancreatic cancer and experience worse outcomes compared to nonsmokers. Researchers from the University of Michigan Health Rogel Cancer Center have identified a specific immune pathway triggered by cigarette toxins that drives aggressive tumor growth.

Advertisement

The study focused on how a chemical commonly found in cigarettes and other environmental pollutants influences pancreatic tumors. Researchers gave this chemical to mice with pancreatic cancer to observe its effects on Interleukin-22 (IL22), a protein previously linked to the tumor microenvironment.

The research team discovered that a unique receptor on IL22-producing cells binds to these chemical toxins, not to naturally occurring proteins. The toxins then trigger IL22 release, which in turn fuels tumor progression. Notably, in mice lacking an immune system, the toxins failed to promote tumor growth—highlighting the immune system's central role in the process.

Digging deeper, the team identified a subset of immune cells known as T-regulatory (Treg) cells as key players. These cells not only produce IL22 but also suppress the body’s natural anti-tumor response. “These T-regulatory cells can both make IL22 but also massively suppress any anti-tumor immunity. It’s a two-pronged attack,” said Timothy L. Frankel, M.D., co-director of the Rogel and Blondy Center for Pancreatic Cancer and Maud T. Lane Professor of Surgical Oncology at Michigan Medicine. When researchers removed these Treg cells, tumor growth driven by cigarette toxins was reversed.

The findings were validated in human immune cells and pancreatic cancer tissues. Smokers with pancreatic cancer had significantly higher levels of Treg cells compared to nonsmokers. Encouragingly, an experimental drug that blocks the cigarette toxin showed effectiveness in shrinking tumors.

The study also highlights the importance of tailored treatment based on smoking history and calls for improved screening strategies for high-risk individuals. More research is needed to explore therapeutic options that target this pathway.

Reference: https://www.michiganmedicine.org/health-lab/study-shows-how-smoking-drives-pancreatic-cancer

Full View
Tags:    
Article Source : Cancer Discovery

Disclaimer: This website is primarily for healthcare professionals. The content here does not replace medical advice and should not be used as medical, diagnostic, endorsement, treatment, or prescription advice. Medical science evolves rapidly, and we strive to keep our information current. If you find any discrepancies, please contact us at corrections@medicaldialogues.in. Read our Correction Policy here. Nothing here should be used as a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. We do not endorse any healthcare advice that contradicts a physician's guidance. Use of this site is subject to our Terms of Use, Privacy Policy, and Advertisement Policy. For more details, read our Full Disclaimer here.

NOTE: Join us in combating medical misinformation. If you encounter a questionable health, medical, or medical education claim, email us at factcheck@medicaldialogues.in for evaluation.

Our comments section is governed by our Comments Policy . By posting comments at Medical Dialogues you automatically agree with our Comments Policy , Terms And Conditions and Privacy Policy .

Similar News