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Updated: May 16, 2025
Isolation of Proximal Fluids to Investigate the Tumor Microenvironment of Pancreatic Adenocarcinoma
Published on: November 5, 2020
Metallic trace elements in pancreatic tissue are associated with higher risk of pancreatic adenocarcinoma - METAPANDA
Mireille Simon1, Aurore Meurat2, Sophie Stanislas3
1Pau Hospital Center, Department of Gastroenterology and Digestive Oncology, 64000, Pau, France.
Objectives:
Few recent studies have indicated the possible involvement of some metallic trace element (MTE), commonly known as heavy metals, in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). To evaluate the potential role of MTE in PDAC onset, we compared concentrations of 23 MTE in healthy pancreas tissue close to the tumor, from patients who underwent pancreatic surgery for PDAC in cases group and for neuroendocrine or other lesion for controls.
Methods:
Samples were taken from paraffin-embedded pancreatectomy blocks of 33 PDAC cases and 29 controls. Concentrations of 23 MTE were determined by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS).
Results:
In multivariate analysis, associations were found between risk of PDAC and higher tissue concentration of antimony (OR 6.31, 95 % CI 2.06-29.03; p = 0.006), thallium (OR 3.23, 95 % CI 1.35-12.07; p = 0.033) arsenic (OR 2.96, 95 % CI 1.22-10.10; p = 0.04) and lead (OR 2.27, 95 % CI 1.13-5.77; p = 0.044).
Conclusions:
This pilot study presents unpublished information about a large set of MTE in pancreatic tissues, confirming the possible involvement of arsenic and lead in PDAC onset and highlighting the potential role of antimony and thallium which have never been implicated before.
Insights
This study investigated metallic trace elements (MTE) in pancreatic cancer. Higher concentrations of antimony, thallium, arsenic, and lead were associated with increased pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) risk.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Environmental Health
- Toxicology
Background:
- Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is a deadly malignancy with limited treatment options.
- Emerging evidence suggests a potential role for metallic trace elements (MTE), or heavy metals, in PDAC development.
- Understanding environmental risk factors is crucial for early detection and prevention strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between tissue concentrations of 23 MTE and the risk of PDAC.
- To compare MTE levels in pancreatic tissues from PDAC patients and control subjects.
Main Methods:
- Tissue samples were obtained from 33 PDAC cases and 29 controls undergoing pancreatic surgery.
- Concentrations of 23 MTE were quantified using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS).
- Multivariate analysis was employed to assess the association between MTE levels and PDAC risk.
Main Results:
- Elevated tissue concentrations of antimony, thallium, arsenic, and lead were significantly associated with an increased risk of PDAC.
- Antimony showed the strongest association (OR 6.31, p=0.006), followed by thallium (OR 3.23, p=0.033), arsenic (OR 2.96, p=0.04), and lead (OR 2.27, p=0.044).
- This study provides novel data on a wide range of MTE in pancreatic tissues.
Conclusions:
- The findings confirm the potential involvement of arsenic and lead in PDAC onset.
- Antimony and thallium are identified as potential novel risk factors for PDAC.
- Further research is warranted to elucidate the mechanisms underlying MTE's role in pancreatic carcinogenesis.
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