Pancreatic neoplasms

Abstract

Purpose of review: This review includes a summary of articles that have affected the study and treatment of pancreatic neoplasms over the past year.

Recent findings: Over the past year, there have been several reports of new animal models of pancreatic cancer that recapitulate the human disease and hold promise for preclinical studies. The hope of proteomic and DNA technologies for detecting pancreatic cancer and new genes involved in the biology of this disease are described. New studies examining neoadjuvant and adjuvant treatment of pancreatic cancer show some promise. The surgical treatment and palliation of pancreatic cancer continues to advance. Experiences of the treatment of intraductal pancreatic mucinous neoplasms shed some light on the management of this entity. Two large series of cystic neoplasms point to the evolving management of these often asymptomatic lesions.

Summary: The treatment of pancreatic neoplasm continues to change and improve as more is learned about these diseases. A renewed clinical and scientific focus on this organ will certainly shape the management of pancreatic neoplasm and holds the promise of improved outcomes.