'Sugar' signatures help identify and classify pancreatic cancer cell subtypes

Scientists have developed a new method for identifying and classifying pancreatic cancer cell subtypes based on sugars found on the outside of cancer cells. These sugars, called glycans, help cells recognize and communicate with each other. They also act as a cellular 'signature,' with each subtype of pancreatic cancer cell possessing a different composition of glycans.

'Sugar' signatures help identify and classify pancreatic cancer cell subtypes
Scientists have developed a new method for identifying and classifying pancreatic cancer cell subtypes based on sugars found on the outside of cancer cells. These sugars, called glycans, help cells recognize and communicate with each other. They also act as a cellular 'signature,' with each subtype of pancreatic cancer cell possessing a different composition of glycans.