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Cold Spring Harbor Today
By the People, for the People
Nerves Actively Fuel Pancreatic Cancer, Study Finds
Researchers uncover a harmful cycle between cancer-associated fibroblasts and nerves that promotes tumor growth.
Published on Feb. 16, 2026
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Researchers at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory have found that nerves are involved in the development of pancreatic cancer much earlier than previously thought. Their 3D imaging revealed a dense network of nerves woven throughout precancerous lesions, interacting with cancer-associated fibroblasts in a way that fuels tumor growth. Blocking this nerve activity was shown to significantly slow tumor progression in experiments.
Why it matters
Pancreatic cancer is notoriously difficult to diagnose and treat, so finding new ways to intervene in the earliest stages of the disease could lead to improved patient outcomes. This study sheds light on an unexpected role for the nervous system in driving pancreatic cancer, opening up potential new treatment strategies.
The details
Using advanced 3D imaging, the researchers observed that cancer-promoting fibroblasts known as myCAFs release signals that attract nearby nerve fibers. Once present, the myCAFs and nerve cells interact within precancerous lesions, creating conditions that support cancer growth. Experiments revealed a harmful cycle where the nerves release a neurotransmitter that further activates the myCAFs, attracting even more nerve fibers and sustaining tumor development.
- The research findings were published in February 2026 in the journal Cancer Discovery.
The players
Jeremy Nigri
A postdoc in Professor David Tuveson's lab at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory (CSHL) who led the research.
David Tuveson
A professor at CSHL whose lab conducted the study on the role of nerves in pancreatic cancer.
Lustgarten Foundation
A nonprofit organization that provides research funding to support the study of pancreatic cancer.
Pancreatic Cancer Action Network
A patient advocacy group that works to advance research and improve outcomes for pancreatic cancer patients.
What they’re saying
“When we first saw this picture, I was shocked. I couldn't even imagine the lesion like this. I'd only ever seen it in 2D.”
— Jeremy Nigri, Postdoc (Mirage News)
“In one experiment, we use a neurotoxin to disable the sympathetic nervous system. We show reduced fibroblast activation and a nearly 50% reduction in tumor growth.”
— Jeremy Nigri, Postdoc (Mirage News)
“The next step will be to study this more in detail and try to find a way to block the crosstalk between fibroblasts and nerves. With support from groups like the Lustgarten Foundation and Pancreatic Cancer Action Network, we hope to one day help improve patient outcomes.”
— Jeremy Nigri, Postdoc (Mirage News)
What’s next
The researchers plan to further study the interaction between cancer-associated fibroblasts and nerves in order to identify ways to disrupt this harmful cycle and slow tumor growth. They hope to test potential new treatment strategies, including existing medications, in combination with standard therapies.
The takeaway
This study reveals an unexpected role for the nervous system in fueling the earliest stages of pancreatic cancer development, opening up new avenues for intervention and potentially improving outcomes for this difficult-to-treat disease.
