A novel discovery in the field of pancreatic cancer treatment has been unveiled, revealing the epigenetic silencing of BEND4 as a potential synthetic lethal marker for enhancing the efficacy of ATM inhibitors in pancreatic cancer treatment. This innovative research provides a groundbreaking approach to targeting a tumor suppressor gene, BEND4, which is frequently methylated and silenced in pancreatic cancer. The study delves into the role of BEND4 in DNA damage repair and its potential as a therapeutic marker when combined with ATM inhibitor treatment.

Along with defending against pathogens, the body’s innate immune system helps to protect the stability of our genomes in unexpected ways — ways that have important implications for the development of cancer, researchers at MSK are discovering.

Targeting and customizing blood vessels in tumors to increase T cell infiltration and maintain their function may represent the next breakthrough in cancer therapy. The European Research Council has recognized this by awarding a prestigious Synergy Grant to the project VASC-IMMUNE, where three researchers, each possessing complementary expertise in this research topic, will synergize to advance the field. Professors Anna Dimberg and Magnus Essand are both from the Department of Immunology, Genetics and Pathology, Uppsala University and Professor Thomas Tüting is from the Department of Dermatology, University Hospital Magdeburg.