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:
Improving Care: We attended a major national clinical conference to equip general gastroenterologists and nurses with specialist knowledge, which helps ensure future work is better aligned with what people with PSC need by improving local care and pathways.
Progressing Research: Our 2024 investment into early-stage research to build necessary scientific evidence enabled Dr James Sun to secure major national funding to explore the genetic drivers of the disease. This foundational knowledge is essential for identifying potential new treatments.
Progressing Research: We supported the development of a research manuscript on nutrition in PSC, so that the findings can be effectively shared with the wider medical community. This will help us advocate for the needs of people with PSC to ensure they get the care they need at the right time.
Improving Care: We hosted a clinical consensus meeting to map out an ideal PSC care pathway, which helps ensure future PSC management is better aligned with what people with PSC need. Establishing standard protocols across the NHS is essential for eliminating regional variations in care.
Progressing Research: We contributed to the strategic planning of an international rare liver disease network, which supports progress towards better care for people with PSC. Broadening our influence ensures patient needs are integrated into wider clinical strategies.
Improving Care: We shared firsthand experiences of living with PSC at an international medical school event, which improves clinical understanding of the disease for healthcare professionals. This is important because ensuring future specialists understand the human impact of PSC helps drive patient-centered care and clinical excellence.
Progressing Research: After just over 48 hours on our Big Give Small Charity Week match funding initiative, your donations helped us get to 78% of the way to our £20,000 goal! Thank you! Can we reach 100%?