"What is pancreatic cancer?
‘Pancreatic cancer’ is a broad term used to describe as many as 20 different types of tumour that can occur in the pancreas. Each type requires a different treatment and has a different prognosis.
The pancreas is part of both the endocrine and exocrine systems of the body. The endocrine system includes the glands that secrete hormones directly into the bloodstream. The exocrine system consists of glands that secrete outwards through ducts onto the surface of the gut or the skin.
Pancreatic cancer is often categorised as being either non-endocrine (that is, it does not affect the hormone-producing cells of the pancreas) or endocrine (where it can have dramatic effects on the amounts of hormones produced). Non-endocrine tumours make up the majority of pancreatic cancers (more than 90 per cent). The endocrine tumours are much less common.
Adenocarcinoma, a type of non-endocrine malignancy, is the most common form of pancreatic cancer. It is responsible for about three-quarters of all cases, and is the form most people refer to when talking about pancreatic cancer.
Endocrine tumours, such as tumours of the hormone-producing islet cells of the pancreas, occur only rarely (in about one per cent of pancreatic cancer cases). Insulinomas, for example, may cause excessive insulin production resulting in low blood sugar, while glucagonomas may cause excessive glucagon production, resulting in a distinctive skin rash."
Tuesday Sep 4 18:43 AEST
Australian cancer researchers will have access to one of the world's most comprehensive collections of tissue samples with the launch Tuesday of a new biobank, the Victorian government says.
The Victorian Cancer Biobank will hold a collection of blood and tissue samples taken from healthy people as well as patients diagnosed with cancer.
Victorian Innovation Minister Gavin Jennings said the $16 million centre would work with the Australian Cancer Grid and the Victorian Cancer Agency to give researchers and healthcare providers access to one of the world's most comprehensive collections of cancer-related tissue and data.
The samples will be available to Australian and international researchers aiming to find new therapies, Mr Jennings said."
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