Promising Leap Forward in Research on PSC and Bile Duct Cancer
Promising Leap Forward in Research on PSC and Bile Duct Cancer
Dr Edward Jarman
We are pleased to share an important update from the research project, 'Cell states in the transition from PSC to bile duct cancer,' led by Dr Edward Jarman. This study, which we proudly fund, focuses on a critical area: understanding the changes that occur when PSC progresses to cholangiocarcinoma (CCA), a type of bile duct cancer.
The team has been using advanced laboratory modelling to observe this complex process. Through this, they have successfully identified a distinct 'signature' (a pattern of cell changes) that happens during the transition.
A key finding is the identification of a protein called COX2 as a potential marker of this process. In a significant step, Dr Jarman has shown that a subset of PSC patients have cells that are positive for COX2 in their bile ducts. This finding is crucial because it means that what the scientists are seeing in the lab matches what is actually happening inside the bodies of people with PSC.
Dr Jarman notes that this represents an ‘appreciable leap forward’ for the project’s goal to define the mechanisms of PSC-CCA transition and determine whether these early changes are detectable in PSC patients.
This work is an exciting step forward. By defining these mechanisms and identifying markers like COX2, this research may eventually help us to detect early changes in people with PSC who could be at higher risk. This is vital for accelerating the development of new ways to screen, prevent, or treat the progression to CCA.
Turning Ambition into Action in 2026:
Our Fortnight in Focus
At PSC Support, we want a world without PSC. We work tirelessly behind the scenes to drive research and improve lives. Here is a snapshot of what we've been up to:
Building Partnerships: We contributed a comprehensive chapter to a new medical textbook for nurses and allied health professionals, ensuring that the patient perspective is integrated into clinical education.
Building Partnerships: We participated in a planning meeting for the update of national clinical guidelines for PSC.
Building Partnerships: We prepared strategic questions for an upcoming international forum titled “Putting Patients First: From Research to Treatment.”
Organisational Excellence: We updated our web details to make it less likely information from us sent by email ends up in your spam folders.
Progressing Research: We are collaborating with European partners to develop a simplified research registry for pregnancy outcomes, building the evidence base needed to improve medical guidance for women with PSC.
Progressing Research: We completed a formal submission to the Scottish Medicines Consortium to advocate for the value of a potential new treatment for PSC patients.
Progressing Research: We reviewed the participant information for a new academic clinical trial to ensure it is clear and accessible for patients.