AUTHOR=Cabrera M. Carla , Tilahun Estifanos , Nakles Rebecca , Diaz-Cruz Edgar S. , Charabaty Aline , Suy Simeng , Jackson Patrick , Ley Lisa , Slack Rebecca , Jha Reena , Collins Sean P. , Haddad Nadim , Kallakury Bhaskar V. S. , Schroeder Timm , Pishvaian Michael J. , Furth Priscilla A. 

TITLE=Human Pancreatic Cancer-Associated Stellate Cells Remain Activated after in vivo Chemoradiation

JOURNAL=Frontiers in Oncology

VOLUME=4

YEAR=2014

URL=https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/oncology/articles/10.3389/fonc.2014.00102

DOI=10.3389/fonc.2014.00102

ISSN=2234-943X

ABSTRACT=<p>Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is characterized by an extensive fibrotic reaction or desmoplasia and complex involvement of the surrounding tumor microenvironment. Pancreatic stellate cells are a key mediator of the pancreatic matrix and they promote progression and invasion of pancreatic cancer by increasing cell proliferation and offering protection against therapeutic interventions. Our study utilizes human tumor-derived pancreatic stellate cells (HTPSCs) isolated from fine needle aspirates of pancreatic cancer tissue from patients with locally advanced, unresectable pancreatic adenocarcinoma before and after treatment with full-dose gemcitabine plus concurrent hypo-fractionated stereotactic radiosurgery. We show that HTPSCs survive <italic>in vivo</italic> chemotherapy and radiotherapy treatment and display a more activated phenotype post-therapy. These data support the idea that stellate cells play an essential role in supporting and promoting pancreatic cancer and further research is needed to develop novel treatments targeting the pancreatic tumor microenvironment.</p>