Pancreatic Cancer: Basic Mechanisms and Therapies

Pancreatic Cancer: Basic Mechanisms and Therapies

Author:

Publisher: Elsevier

Published: 2023-05-31

Total Pages: 392

ISBN-13: 0443133557

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Pancreatic Cancer: Basic Mechanisms and Therapies, Volume 159 in the Advances in Cancer Research, presents the latest release in this ongoing, well-regarded serial with invaluable information on the exciting and fast-moving field of cancer research. Pancreatic cancer (PC) is the third leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the United States. Greater than 90% PCs are Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinomas (PDAC) which have a dismal estimated 5-year overall survival of only 11%. PDAC is predicted to become the second leading cause of mortality in the United States by 2030. In the clinic, the PDAC patients often present with incurable disease at the time of first diagnosis. This cancer is particularly lethal because of its propensity to spread quickly to distant organs including the lymphatic system. PDAC metastasis occurs shortly after tumor initiation and is caused by a complex interaction between autonomous tumor cells and cellular elements of the tumor microenvironment. Although PDAC remains a challenging disease to treat and a leading cause of cancer-related deaths, progress is being made in disease etiology and pathogenesis, and intensive research is focused on developing optimal treatment approaches for patients. Considering the continuous progress being made in understanding PDAC pathogenesis and designing new therapies, it was considered timely to develop an up-to-date thematic issue of Advances in Cancer Research (ACR) focused on PDAC. In this thematic issue, we have included ten review articles by experts that cover cancer disparities, PDAC pathobiology, the roles of the tumor microenvironment, tumor heterogeneity, PC stem cells, genetic and signaling events critical for PDAC pathogenesis, Immunotherapy and chemoresistance in PDAC, and different PDAC mouse models. This special issue highlights recent research progress in PDAC, which bridges the gap between basic and clinical research. The recent overview of Racial Disparities in Pancreatic Cancer Clinical Trials; Overview the evolution of in vivo models for PDAC Up-to-date discussion of diverse genetic and molecular signaling changes in PDAC; Role of tumor heterogeneity in therapy resistance in PDAC; Chemoresistance in PDAC and how to overcome this challenge; Current and emerging approaches and strategies for advancing targeted therapy and immunotherapy for PDAC New insights into the role of epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition, tumor microenvironment (TME) and interactions of TME with cancer stem cells in PDAC pathogenesis, progression and therapeutic resistance


Book Synopsis Pancreatic Cancer: Basic Mechanisms and Therapies by :

Download or read book Pancreatic Cancer: Basic Mechanisms and Therapies written by and published by Elsevier. This book was released on 2023-05-31 with total page 392 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Pancreatic Cancer: Basic Mechanisms and Therapies, Volume 159 in the Advances in Cancer Research, presents the latest release in this ongoing, well-regarded serial with invaluable information on the exciting and fast-moving field of cancer research. Pancreatic cancer (PC) is the third leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the United States. Greater than 90% PCs are Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinomas (PDAC) which have a dismal estimated 5-year overall survival of only 11%. PDAC is predicted to become the second leading cause of mortality in the United States by 2030. In the clinic, the PDAC patients often present with incurable disease at the time of first diagnosis. This cancer is particularly lethal because of its propensity to spread quickly to distant organs including the lymphatic system. PDAC metastasis occurs shortly after tumor initiation and is caused by a complex interaction between autonomous tumor cells and cellular elements of the tumor microenvironment. Although PDAC remains a challenging disease to treat and a leading cause of cancer-related deaths, progress is being made in disease etiology and pathogenesis, and intensive research is focused on developing optimal treatment approaches for patients. Considering the continuous progress being made in understanding PDAC pathogenesis and designing new therapies, it was considered timely to develop an up-to-date thematic issue of Advances in Cancer Research (ACR) focused on PDAC. In this thematic issue, we have included ten review articles by experts that cover cancer disparities, PDAC pathobiology, the roles of the tumor microenvironment, tumor heterogeneity, PC stem cells, genetic and signaling events critical for PDAC pathogenesis, Immunotherapy and chemoresistance in PDAC, and different PDAC mouse models. This special issue highlights recent research progress in PDAC, which bridges the gap between basic and clinical research. The recent overview of Racial Disparities in Pancreatic Cancer Clinical Trials; Overview the evolution of in vivo models for PDAC Up-to-date discussion of diverse genetic and molecular signaling changes in PDAC; Role of tumor heterogeneity in therapy resistance in PDAC; Chemoresistance in PDAC and how to overcome this challenge; Current and emerging approaches and strategies for advancing targeted therapy and immunotherapy for PDAC New insights into the role of epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition, tumor microenvironment (TME) and interactions of TME with cancer stem cells in PDAC pathogenesis, progression and therapeutic resistance


Pancreatic Cancer

Pancreatic Cancer

Author: Sanjay Srivastava

Publisher: BoD – Books on Demand

Published: 2012-03-23

Total Pages: 448

ISBN-13: 9535104101

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This book provides the reader with an overall understanding of the biology of pancreatic cancer, hereditary, complex signaling pathways and alternative therapies. The book explains nutrigenomics and epigenetics mechanisms such as DNA methylation, which may explain the etiology or progression of pancreatic cancer. Book also summarizes the molecular control of oncogenic pathways such as K-Ras and KLF4. Since pancreatic cancer metastasizes to vital organs resulting in poor prognosis, special emphasis is given to the mechanism of tumor cell invasion and metastasis. Role of nitric oxide and Syk kinase in tumor metastasis is discussed in detail. Prevention strategies for pancreatic cancer are also described. The molecular mechanisms of the anti-cancer effects of curcumin, benzyl isothiocyante and vitamin D are discussed in detail. Furthermore, this book covers the basic mechanisms of resistance of pancreatic cancer to chemotherapy drugs such as gemcitabine and 5-flourouracil.


Book Synopsis Pancreatic Cancer by : Sanjay Srivastava

Download or read book Pancreatic Cancer written by Sanjay Srivastava and published by BoD – Books on Demand. This book was released on 2012-03-23 with total page 448 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This book provides the reader with an overall understanding of the biology of pancreatic cancer, hereditary, complex signaling pathways and alternative therapies. The book explains nutrigenomics and epigenetics mechanisms such as DNA methylation, which may explain the etiology or progression of pancreatic cancer. Book also summarizes the molecular control of oncogenic pathways such as K-Ras and KLF4. Since pancreatic cancer metastasizes to vital organs resulting in poor prognosis, special emphasis is given to the mechanism of tumor cell invasion and metastasis. Role of nitric oxide and Syk kinase in tumor metastasis is discussed in detail. Prevention strategies for pancreatic cancer are also described. The molecular mechanisms of the anti-cancer effects of curcumin, benzyl isothiocyante and vitamin D are discussed in detail. Furthermore, this book covers the basic mechanisms of resistance of pancreatic cancer to chemotherapy drugs such as gemcitabine and 5-flourouracil.


The Heterogeneity of Cancer Metabolism

The Heterogeneity of Cancer Metabolism

Author: Anne Le

Publisher: Springer

Published: 2018-06-26

Total Pages: 186

ISBN-13: 331977736X

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Genetic alterations in cancer, in addition to being the fundamental drivers of tumorigenesis, can give rise to a variety of metabolic adaptations that allow cancer cells to survive and proliferate in diverse tumor microenvironments. This metabolic flexibility is different from normal cellular metabolic processes and leads to heterogeneity in cancer metabolism within the same cancer type or even within the same tumor. In this book, we delve into the complexity and diversity of cancer metabolism, and highlight how understanding the heterogeneity of cancer metabolism is fundamental to the development of effective metabolism-based therapeutic strategies. Deciphering how cancer cells utilize various nutrient resources will enable clinicians and researchers to pair specific chemotherapeutic agents with patients who are most likely to respond with positive outcomes, allowing for more cost-effective and personalized cancer therapeutic strategies.


Book Synopsis The Heterogeneity of Cancer Metabolism by : Anne Le

Download or read book The Heterogeneity of Cancer Metabolism written by Anne Le and published by Springer. This book was released on 2018-06-26 with total page 186 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Genetic alterations in cancer, in addition to being the fundamental drivers of tumorigenesis, can give rise to a variety of metabolic adaptations that allow cancer cells to survive and proliferate in diverse tumor microenvironments. This metabolic flexibility is different from normal cellular metabolic processes and leads to heterogeneity in cancer metabolism within the same cancer type or even within the same tumor. In this book, we delve into the complexity and diversity of cancer metabolism, and highlight how understanding the heterogeneity of cancer metabolism is fundamental to the development of effective metabolism-based therapeutic strategies. Deciphering how cancer cells utilize various nutrient resources will enable clinicians and researchers to pair specific chemotherapeutic agents with patients who are most likely to respond with positive outcomes, allowing for more cost-effective and personalized cancer therapeutic strategies.


Current and Emerging Therapies in Pancreatic Cancer

Current and Emerging Therapies in Pancreatic Cancer

Author: Tanios Bekaii-Saab

Publisher: Springer

Published: 2017-09-27

Total Pages: 381

ISBN-13: 3319582569

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This book provides a comprehensive, state-of-the art review of current and new therapies in treating pancreatic cancer. In addition to discussing the current landscape for treating various stages of pancreatic cancer, the text highlights several standard and emerging approaches, with a particular emphasis on novel endoscopic, surgical, chemotherapeutic, radiotherapeutic, targeted, and immunotherapeutic strategies. The volume also features concepts on the potential economic effects associated with the development and implementation of new treatments in pancreatic cancer. Written by experts from a variety of integrative disciplines, Current and Emerging Therapies in Pancreatic Cancer is a valuable resource for oncologists, gastroenterologists, surgeons, and other professionals who treat and manage patients with pancreatic cancer.


Book Synopsis Current and Emerging Therapies in Pancreatic Cancer by : Tanios Bekaii-Saab

Download or read book Current and Emerging Therapies in Pancreatic Cancer written by Tanios Bekaii-Saab and published by Springer. This book was released on 2017-09-27 with total page 381 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This book provides a comprehensive, state-of-the art review of current and new therapies in treating pancreatic cancer. In addition to discussing the current landscape for treating various stages of pancreatic cancer, the text highlights several standard and emerging approaches, with a particular emphasis on novel endoscopic, surgical, chemotherapeutic, radiotherapeutic, targeted, and immunotherapeutic strategies. The volume also features concepts on the potential economic effects associated with the development and implementation of new treatments in pancreatic cancer. Written by experts from a variety of integrative disciplines, Current and Emerging Therapies in Pancreatic Cancer is a valuable resource for oncologists, gastroenterologists, surgeons, and other professionals who treat and manage patients with pancreatic cancer.


Translational Pancreatic Cancer Research

Translational Pancreatic Cancer Research

Author: Christoph W. Michalski

Publisher: Springer Nature

Published: 2020-07-31

Total Pages: 252

ISBN-13: 3030494764

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​This book incorporates a multi-disciplinary approach to present how research results can be translated into clinical trials. The first part begins with a chapter on variants of pancreatic cancer, precursor lesions and groups of people at risk to developing the disease. There is a particular focus on intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasia as a large-scale clinical challenge in pancreatology. The next two parts focus on diagnosis, biomarkers and stratification that emphasize how various approaches to biomarker development are important as both prognostic and predictive tools. The final part consists of personalized treatment approaches that include preclinical models of pancreatic cancer and stromal, epigenetic and metabolism targeting as promising approaches to be translated into early phase clinical trials. Chapters within this part also deal with approaches that are close to being implemented in clinical practice or are already being tested in (early) clinical trials, such as those that targeting the immune systems and strategies to overcome immunotherapy resistance; phase 1 clinical trials and translational approaches in surgical treatment. Written by experts in their fields, Translational Pancreatic Cancer Research provides an outlook towards future directions by integrating information both from basic and clinical research and though demonstrating pathways to better understanding pancreatic cancer and current approaches to translating these into clinical practice.


Book Synopsis Translational Pancreatic Cancer Research by : Christoph W. Michalski

Download or read book Translational Pancreatic Cancer Research written by Christoph W. Michalski and published by Springer Nature. This book was released on 2020-07-31 with total page 252 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: ​This book incorporates a multi-disciplinary approach to present how research results can be translated into clinical trials. The first part begins with a chapter on variants of pancreatic cancer, precursor lesions and groups of people at risk to developing the disease. There is a particular focus on intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasia as a large-scale clinical challenge in pancreatology. The next two parts focus on diagnosis, biomarkers and stratification that emphasize how various approaches to biomarker development are important as both prognostic and predictive tools. The final part consists of personalized treatment approaches that include preclinical models of pancreatic cancer and stromal, epigenetic and metabolism targeting as promising approaches to be translated into early phase clinical trials. Chapters within this part also deal with approaches that are close to being implemented in clinical practice or are already being tested in (early) clinical trials, such as those that targeting the immune systems and strategies to overcome immunotherapy resistance; phase 1 clinical trials and translational approaches in surgical treatment. Written by experts in their fields, Translational Pancreatic Cancer Research provides an outlook towards future directions by integrating information both from basic and clinical research and though demonstrating pathways to better understanding pancreatic cancer and current approaches to translating these into clinical practice.


Theranostic Approach for Pancreatic Cancer

Theranostic Approach for Pancreatic Cancer

Author: Ganji Purnachandra Nagaraju

Publisher: Academic Press

Published: 2020-01-15

Total Pages: 420

ISBN-13: 9780128194577

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Theranostic Approach for Pancreatic Cancer modulates the biologic properties of stroma in pancreatic cancer by targeting the several chemotherapy resistance mechanisms to impede their malignant property through introducing new strategies and drugs for tackling the disease. It brings information about ongoing research as well as clinical data about pancreatic cancer and provides detailed descriptions about diagnostic and therapeutic options for easy understanding. This book discusses several topics related to pancreatic cancer such as stem cells, drug resistance and pancreatic tumor microenvironment, the latest developments in chemotherapy for metastatic cancer and chemoprevention, and epigenome as a therapeutic strategy. Additionally, it encompasses a discussion on theranostic clinical applications for personalized treatment and management of pancreatic cancer. The book is a valuable resource for cancer researchers, oncologists, and several members of the biomedical field who need to understand more about the diagnosis and treatment of pancreatic cancer. Provides information on the roadblocks of chemotherapy in patients with newly diagnosed and metastatic pancreatic cancer Discusses treatment options available currently as well as prospective options for the future Focuses especially on stroma, tumor microenvironment, stem cells, stellate cells, transcription factors, growth factors, and important signaling pathways as already tested types of treatment


Book Synopsis Theranostic Approach for Pancreatic Cancer by : Ganji Purnachandra Nagaraju

Download or read book Theranostic Approach for Pancreatic Cancer written by Ganji Purnachandra Nagaraju and published by Academic Press. This book was released on 2020-01-15 with total page 420 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Theranostic Approach for Pancreatic Cancer modulates the biologic properties of stroma in pancreatic cancer by targeting the several chemotherapy resistance mechanisms to impede their malignant property through introducing new strategies and drugs for tackling the disease. It brings information about ongoing research as well as clinical data about pancreatic cancer and provides detailed descriptions about diagnostic and therapeutic options for easy understanding. This book discusses several topics related to pancreatic cancer such as stem cells, drug resistance and pancreatic tumor microenvironment, the latest developments in chemotherapy for metastatic cancer and chemoprevention, and epigenome as a therapeutic strategy. Additionally, it encompasses a discussion on theranostic clinical applications for personalized treatment and management of pancreatic cancer. The book is a valuable resource for cancer researchers, oncologists, and several members of the biomedical field who need to understand more about the diagnosis and treatment of pancreatic cancer. Provides information on the roadblocks of chemotherapy in patients with newly diagnosed and metastatic pancreatic cancer Discusses treatment options available currently as well as prospective options for the future Focuses especially on stroma, tumor microenvironment, stem cells, stellate cells, transcription factors, growth factors, and important signaling pathways as already tested types of treatment


Pancreatic Cancer

Pancreatic Cancer

Author: Howard Reber

Publisher: Springer Science & Business Media

Published: 2012-12-06

Total Pages: 553

ISBN-13: 1461218101

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A distinguished panel of world authorities reviews the current state of today's understanding, diagnosis, and treatment of pancreatic cancer. Their cutting-edge reviews discuss both medical and surgical modalities and include numerous insights into the basic molecular processes underlying the disease. Among the key topics covered are the prospects for early diagnosis using molecular techniques, the latest diagnostic and therapeutic methods, the role of laparoscopy (diagnostic and therapeutic), and nonsurgical treatment. The reviewers also address the future possibilities for clinical advances, quality of life concerns, and the value of the Japanese "extended Whipple resection." Pancreatic Cancer will become the new standard reference for all clinicians who diagnose and treat this disease, as well as for basic scientists needing a summary of the many recent advances. i


Book Synopsis Pancreatic Cancer by : Howard Reber

Download or read book Pancreatic Cancer written by Howard Reber and published by Springer Science & Business Media. This book was released on 2012-12-06 with total page 553 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: A distinguished panel of world authorities reviews the current state of today's understanding, diagnosis, and treatment of pancreatic cancer. Their cutting-edge reviews discuss both medical and surgical modalities and include numerous insights into the basic molecular processes underlying the disease. Among the key topics covered are the prospects for early diagnosis using molecular techniques, the latest diagnostic and therapeutic methods, the role of laparoscopy (diagnostic and therapeutic), and nonsurgical treatment. The reviewers also address the future possibilities for clinical advances, quality of life concerns, and the value of the Japanese "extended Whipple resection." Pancreatic Cancer will become the new standard reference for all clinicians who diagnose and treat this disease, as well as for basic scientists needing a summary of the many recent advances. i


Molecular and Cellular Changes in the Cancer Cell

Molecular and Cellular Changes in the Cancer Cell

Author:

Publisher: Academic Press

Published: 2016-11-16

Total Pages: 616

ISBN-13: 0128096039

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Molecular and Cellular Changes in the Cancer Cell,the latest volume in the Progress in Molecular Biology and Translational Science series, includes a comprehensive summary of the evidence accumulated thus far on the molecular and cellular regulation of the various adaptations taking place in response to exercise. This volume examines some of the latest advances, highlighting some of the most important molecular and cellular alterations and environmental influences that collectively cause a normal cell to become cancerous. Special emphasis is given to changes that take place at the molecular and cellular level. Comprehensive and up-to-date survey of current knowledge on the cancer cell Includes the latest advances and the most important molecular and cellular alterations and environmental influences collectively causing cells to become cancerous Written by leading experts in the field


Book Synopsis Molecular and Cellular Changes in the Cancer Cell by :

Download or read book Molecular and Cellular Changes in the Cancer Cell written by and published by Academic Press. This book was released on 2016-11-16 with total page 616 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Molecular and Cellular Changes in the Cancer Cell,the latest volume in the Progress in Molecular Biology and Translational Science series, includes a comprehensive summary of the evidence accumulated thus far on the molecular and cellular regulation of the various adaptations taking place in response to exercise. This volume examines some of the latest advances, highlighting some of the most important molecular and cellular alterations and environmental influences that collectively cause a normal cell to become cancerous. Special emphasis is given to changes that take place at the molecular and cellular level. Comprehensive and up-to-date survey of current knowledge on the cancer cell Includes the latest advances and the most important molecular and cellular alterations and environmental influences collectively causing cells to become cancerous Written by leading experts in the field


Pancreatic Cancer

Pancreatic Cancer

Author: Sanjay Srivastava

Publisher: BoD – Books on Demand

Published: 2012-03-28

Total Pages: 328

ISBN-13: 9535103946

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This book covers pancreatic cancer risk factors, treatment and clinical procedures. It provides an outline of pancreatic cancer genetic risk factors, biomarkers and systems biology for the better understanding of disease. As pancreatic cancer suffers from lack of early diagnosis or prognosis markers, this book encompasses stem cell and genetic makers to identify the disease in early stages. The book uncovers the rationale and effectiveness of monotherapy and combination therapy in combating the devastating disease. As immunotherapy is emerging as an attractive approach to cease pancreatic cancer progression, the present book covers various aspects of immunotherapy including innate, adaptive, active, passive and bacterial approaches. Management of anesthesia during surgery and pain after surgery has been discussed. Book also takes the reader through the role of endoscopy and fine needle guided biopsies in diagnosing and observing the disease progression.


Book Synopsis Pancreatic Cancer by : Sanjay Srivastava

Download or read book Pancreatic Cancer written by Sanjay Srivastava and published by BoD – Books on Demand. This book was released on 2012-03-28 with total page 328 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This book covers pancreatic cancer risk factors, treatment and clinical procedures. It provides an outline of pancreatic cancer genetic risk factors, biomarkers and systems biology for the better understanding of disease. As pancreatic cancer suffers from lack of early diagnosis or prognosis markers, this book encompasses stem cell and genetic makers to identify the disease in early stages. The book uncovers the rationale and effectiveness of monotherapy and combination therapy in combating the devastating disease. As immunotherapy is emerging as an attractive approach to cease pancreatic cancer progression, the present book covers various aspects of immunotherapy including innate, adaptive, active, passive and bacterial approaches. Management of anesthesia during surgery and pain after surgery has been discussed. Book also takes the reader through the role of endoscopy and fine needle guided biopsies in diagnosing and observing the disease progression.


Risk Factors for Pancreatic Cancer: Underlying Mechanisms and Potential Targets

Risk Factors for Pancreatic Cancer: Underlying Mechanisms and Potential Targets

Author: Guido Eibl

Publisher: Frontiers Media SA

Published: 2015-04-22

Total Pages: 116

ISBN-13: 288919468X

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Pancreatic Cancer has been and still is one of the deadliest types of human malignancies. The annual mortality rates almost equal incidence rates making this disease virtually universally fatal. The 5-year survival of patients with pancreatic cancer is a dismal 5% or less. Therapeutic strategies are extremely limited with gemcitabine extending the survival by a disappointing few weeks. The failure of several randomized clinical trials in the past decade investigating the therapeutic efficacy of different mono- and combination therapies reflects our limited knowledge of pancreatic cancer biology. In addition, biomarkers for early detection are sorely missing. Several pancreatic cancer risk factors have been identified. Unfortunately, the underlying mechanisms linking these risk factors to cancer development are poorly understood. Well known possible and probable risk factors for the development of pancreatic cancer are age, smoking, chronic pancreatitis, obesity, and type-2 diabetes mellitus. Age is certainly of the most important risk factors as most cases of pancreatic cancer occur in the elderly population. Smoking ten cigarettes a day increases the risk by 2.6 times and smoking a pack per day increases it by 5 folds. Chronic pancreatitis increases the risk of pancreatic cancer by up to 13 times. Patients with hereditary forms of chronic pancreatitis have an even higher risk. Obesity, a growing global health problem, increases the risk of pancreatic cancer by about 1.5 fold. Type-2 diabetes mellitus is also associated with an increased risk of pancreatic cancer by at least two-fold. The more recent the onset of diabetes, the stronger the correlation with pancreatic cancer is. In addition, heavy alcohol drinking, a family history of the disease, male gender and African American ethnicity are other risk factors for pancreatic cancer. Pancreatic cancer is characterized by several genetic alterations including mutations in the Kras proto-oncogene and mutations in the tumor suppressor genes p53 and p16. While Kras mutations are currently thought as early events present in a certain percentage of pancreatic intraepithelial neoplasias (PanINs), known precursor lesions of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinomas, mutations in tumor suppressor genes, e.g. p53, seem to accumulate later during progression. In addition, several intracellular signaling pathways are amplified or enhanced, including the MAPK/ERK and PI3K/AKT signaling modules. Overall, these genetic alterations lead to enhanced and sustained proliferation, resistance to cell death, invasive and metastatic potential, and angiogenesis, all hallmarks of cancers. The scope of this Research Topic is to collect data and knowledge of how risk factors increase the risk of initiation/progression of pancreatic cancer. Of particular interest are potential underlying molecular mechanisms. Understanding the molecular mechanisms and driving signaling pathways will ultimately allow the development of targeted interventions to disrupt the risk factor-induced cancer development. This Research Topic is interested in a broad range of risk factors, including genetic and environmental, and welcomes original papers, mini and full reviews, and hypothesis papers. Manuscripts that address the effect of combination of risk factors on pancreatic cancer development and progression are of great interest as well.


Book Synopsis Risk Factors for Pancreatic Cancer: Underlying Mechanisms and Potential Targets by : Guido Eibl

Download or read book Risk Factors for Pancreatic Cancer: Underlying Mechanisms and Potential Targets written by Guido Eibl and published by Frontiers Media SA. This book was released on 2015-04-22 with total page 116 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Pancreatic Cancer has been and still is one of the deadliest types of human malignancies. The annual mortality rates almost equal incidence rates making this disease virtually universally fatal. The 5-year survival of patients with pancreatic cancer is a dismal 5% or less. Therapeutic strategies are extremely limited with gemcitabine extending the survival by a disappointing few weeks. The failure of several randomized clinical trials in the past decade investigating the therapeutic efficacy of different mono- and combination therapies reflects our limited knowledge of pancreatic cancer biology. In addition, biomarkers for early detection are sorely missing. Several pancreatic cancer risk factors have been identified. Unfortunately, the underlying mechanisms linking these risk factors to cancer development are poorly understood. Well known possible and probable risk factors for the development of pancreatic cancer are age, smoking, chronic pancreatitis, obesity, and type-2 diabetes mellitus. Age is certainly of the most important risk factors as most cases of pancreatic cancer occur in the elderly population. Smoking ten cigarettes a day increases the risk by 2.6 times and smoking a pack per day increases it by 5 folds. Chronic pancreatitis increases the risk of pancreatic cancer by up to 13 times. Patients with hereditary forms of chronic pancreatitis have an even higher risk. Obesity, a growing global health problem, increases the risk of pancreatic cancer by about 1.5 fold. Type-2 diabetes mellitus is also associated with an increased risk of pancreatic cancer by at least two-fold. The more recent the onset of diabetes, the stronger the correlation with pancreatic cancer is. In addition, heavy alcohol drinking, a family history of the disease, male gender and African American ethnicity are other risk factors for pancreatic cancer. Pancreatic cancer is characterized by several genetic alterations including mutations in the Kras proto-oncogene and mutations in the tumor suppressor genes p53 and p16. While Kras mutations are currently thought as early events present in a certain percentage of pancreatic intraepithelial neoplasias (PanINs), known precursor lesions of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinomas, mutations in tumor suppressor genes, e.g. p53, seem to accumulate later during progression. In addition, several intracellular signaling pathways are amplified or enhanced, including the MAPK/ERK and PI3K/AKT signaling modules. Overall, these genetic alterations lead to enhanced and sustained proliferation, resistance to cell death, invasive and metastatic potential, and angiogenesis, all hallmarks of cancers. The scope of this Research Topic is to collect data and knowledge of how risk factors increase the risk of initiation/progression of pancreatic cancer. Of particular interest are potential underlying molecular mechanisms. Understanding the molecular mechanisms and driving signaling pathways will ultimately allow the development of targeted interventions to disrupt the risk factor-induced cancer development. This Research Topic is interested in a broad range of risk factors, including genetic and environmental, and welcomes original papers, mini and full reviews, and hypothesis papers. Manuscripts that address the effect of combination of risk factors on pancreatic cancer development and progression are of great interest as well.