A new initiative at the National Cancer Institute aims to create capabilities for detecting pancreatic cancer early and improving treatments for patients with mutations.

A big challenge with pancreatic cancer resides in the KRAS gene. When mutated, the gene can cause normal cells to become cancerous. A new therapy involving KRAS inhibitors and genetic testing can help patients screen for this earlier.

Dr. Christine Alewine, the NIH Lasker Scholar in the Laboratory of Molecular Biology at NCI’s Center for Cancer Research, discussed this breakthrough, how new advancements can serve as an alternative treatment for chemotherapy and where AI can make an impact. Plus, she notes how other health issues such as diabetes also plays a role in screening for pancreatic cancer.