Molecular and Genetic Basis of Pancreatic Carcinogenesis: Which Concepts May be Clinically Relevant?

Abstract

Carcinogenic progression in the pancreas arises through a well-established stepwise accumulation of molecular aberrations from a normal cell to an invasive adenocarcinoma. Recent large-scale sequencing efforts have provided insight into novel driver genes as well as enriched core signaling pathways that underlie the inherent heterogeneity found in pancreatic cancer. By exploiting these genomic profiles, we may begin to provide new insights into patient stratification and therapeutic guidance. This review discusses the molecular landscape of pancreatic cancer and its role in tumor progression, clinical prognostication, and the development of novel therapeutic strategies.

Keywords: Carcinogenic progression; Genomic profiling; Pancreatic cancer; Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma.