A protein that feeds pancreatic tumours could become their weak spot

Pancreatic cancer is notoriously hard to treat, partly because tumours persuade nearby support cells to feed them. Researchers at Fox Chase Cancer Center have found that a protein called ANO6 lets those support cells pass cholesterol and other fats to cancer cells — and lets tumours quiet the immune cells trying to attack them. In mouse studies published in Nature Cancer, blocking ANO6 slowed tumour growth and freed up cancer-fighting T cells. It is early, preclinical work, but it names a concrete new target in one of medicine's toughest diseases.

SDG 3 · Good health and well-being — Mechanism: tech innovation