Pancreatic cancer
Education on Pancreatic cancer and Alpha-1 Antitrypsin research from the Mark Egly Foundation, with patent claims clearly labeled as hypothesis.
Research hypothesis, not medical advice
The connections described on this page come from Mark Egly's patent filing and ongoing research. They are not established medical facts. Always work with your physician for diagnosis and treatment.
Research hypothesis. The connection between Pancreatic cancer and Alpha-1 Antitrypsin is described in Mark Egly's 2020 patent filing. This is not established medical fact and is not medical advice. Always talk with your doctor about your own health.
What is Pancreatic cancer?
Pancreatic cancer is a health condition discussed in Mark Egly's research on Alpha-1 Antitrypsin. Cancer involves abnormal cell growth. The patent discusses how neutrophil elastase and low circulating AAT may influence tumor development and spread.
What Mark Egly's patent discusses
Intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm ("IPMN") is a type of tumor that can occur within the cells of the pancreatic duct. IPMN tumors produce mucus, and this mucus can form pancreatic cysts. Although IPMNs are benign tumors, they can progress to pancreatic cancer; therefore, IPMN is viewed as a precancerous condition. Traditional management options include close monitoring and early prophylactic resection procedure. AAT may be administered to control tissue infiltration of the pancreas by neutrophils and subsequent growth of tumors and cysts which could potentially form cancer cells and then metastasize. AAT may be used to prevent, control, and/or shrink IPMN, cysts, and pancreatic cancer.
How this may relate to Alpha-1
Mark Egly's patent proposes that when the body has too little working Alpha-1 Antitrypsin, or when neutrophils release too much neutrophil elastase, inflammation and tissue damage may worsen. For Pancreatic cancer, the patent suggests that testing for AATD or low circulating AAT could help guide care. This is a research hypothesis, not a proven treatment path for everyone with this condition.
What you can do
If you or a family member lives with Pancreatic cancer, consider learning about Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency and discussing AAT testing with your healthcare team. The Mark Egly Foundation offers education and community support: