Talabostat : Treatment metastatic pancreatic cancer study

In the human body, the pancreas is an organ and gland that produces pancreatic juices (The exocrine function of the pancreas synthesis and secretion of pancreatic juices.) and hormones, including insulin. Insulin controls the amount of sugar in the blood. The pancreatic juice is enzymes that help break down carbohydrates, fats, proteins, and acids in the duodenum (First part of the small intestines). Pancreas is approximately six inches long that stretched across between the stomach and spine. The organ lies, partially behind the stomach, attached to the duodenum, the upper portion of the small intestines. The narrow end of the pancreas, called the tail, extends to the left side of the body.

In 2006, 33,730 new cases of pancreatic cancer were diagnosed and 32,300 people died of the disease. According to the American Cancer Society, pancreatic cancer is the fourth leading cause of cancer death in the United States. Because of the location of the pancreas, when a cancerous tumor (cells) develops in the organ’s tissue, often not detected early, until the tumor grows large enough and interfere with the function of the nearby stomach, duodenum, liver or gallbladder. Ninety-five percent of pancreatic cancers occur in the ducks that carry pancreatic juices. Cystadenocarcinoma is a rare type of pancreatic cancer, begins in the cells that produce insulin and other hormones. A computerized axial tomography (CAT) scan provides computerized cross sectional views and helps diagnosis for pancreatic cancer. Also a biopsy is often recommended. Symptoms include Jaundice (the skin and whites of the eyes look yellow), mid back pain, nausea, diarrhea, general weakness, light-colored bowel movement, itchy skin, and slow digestion of food. Unfortunately, symptoms may not appear until the disease becomes advance. The pancreas will produce too much insulin or other hormones. Surgical removal is no longer an option, if the condition is diagnosed to late or if the cancer has spread (metastasis). Pancreatic cancer occurs nearly twice as often in men as women, but rarely develops before the age of fifty years old. Contributing to the cause of pancreatic cancer includes cigarette smoking, a high fat, Low – Fiber diet, diet high in foods containing food additives, cancer causing agents, and diabetes. Preventing pancreatic cancer by maintaining a healthy weight by eating nutritional foods, quit smoking, and exercise regularly.

In January 2007, Point Therapeutics Incorporated

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