Exploring precision medicine for pancreatic cancer

In a groundbreaking research study, scientists from the UConn School of Medicine are collaborating with Encapsulate Inc., a precision medicine startup, to potentially transform pancreatic cancer treatment. The study aims to rapidly identify the most effective chemotherapy, immunotherapy, or combination for individual patients, thereby personalizing treatment and improving outcomes and life expectancy.

Encapsulate's Biochip System, developed by UConn researchers Leila Daneshmandi, Armin Rad, and funded by NASA and NSF, can test a patient's pancreatic cancer tumor tissue sample in the lab to replicate its cellular growth and predict which agents will best stop its progression. Currently, chemotherapy is effective in only 60% of pancreatic cancer cases, often requiring multiple drugs to be tried before finding an effective one.

Encapsulate's NASA-funded testing has already demonstrated success in predicting clinical outcomes aboard the International Space Station. The UConn researchers now seek to validate these predictions on Earth by analyzing de-identified biopsy tissue samples from patients undergoing pancreatic cancer care at UConn Health. The anonymous tissue samples are examined using the Biochip system in Encapsulate's laboratory, and the results are compared with patients' actual tumor responses to prescribed chemotherapy three to six months later.

Pancreatic cancer is a rapidly rising GI malignancy, and early diagnosis is crucial. Symptoms such as weight loss, abdominal pain, and jaundice often only appear in advanced stages of the disease. The researchers hope that this innovative technology will help pinpoint the most effective drug or drug combination for each patient, ultimately revolutionizing cancer treatment and saving thousands of lives.