The Mouse Model of Pancreatic Cancer Atlas (MMPCA) for classification of pancreatic cancer lesions: A large histological investigation of the Ptf1aCre/+;LSL-KrasG12D/+ transgenic mouse model of pancreatic cancer

Abstract

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is one of the leading forms of cancer related deaths in the United States. With limited treatment options and unreliable diagnostic methods, long-term survival rates following a diagnosis of pancreatic cancer remain poor. Pancreatic intraepithelial neoplasia (PanIN) are precancerous lesions that precede progression towards PDAC. PanIN occur in increasing complexity as the disease progresses and the description of PanIN plays a critical role in describing, staging and diagnosing PDAC. Inconsistencies in PanIN classifications exist even amongst leading pathologists. This has led to debate and confusion among researchers and pathologists involved in pancreatic cancer research, diagnosis and treatment. We have sought to initiate a discussion with leading pathologists with a goal of increasing consensus in the interpretation of PanIN and associated structures within the precancerous pancreas. Toward achieving this goal, we are in the process of conducting an extensive study of over 1000 male and female pancreata in varying stages of PanIN progression isolated from the Ptf1aCre/+;LSL-KrasG12D/+ transgenic mouse model of pancreatic cancer. Using this extensive database, we have established the Mouse Model of Pancreatic Cancer Atlas (MMPCA) to serve as a platform for meaningful and interactive discussion among researchers and pathologists who study pancreatic disease. We hope that the MMPCA will be an effective tool for promoting a more consistent and accurate consensus of PanIN classifications in the future.

Fig 1. Mouse Model of Pancreatic Cancer Atlas (MMPCA).

(A) Homepage of the MMPCA on WordPress that shows welcome information, slide deck categories, an about page, and contact. The comment ability is shown at the bottom of the image titled, “Leave a comment.” (B) Content of the atlas slide decks with 15-month study deck displaying mice numbers.

Fig 2. Control slide deck.

(A) Content of the control mice image slide deck showing an example from each age group of 5-, 11-, and 15-months. (B) Images from the control deck displaying images at different magnifications from the same mouse at 5-months-of-age (1, 4, 7, 10, 13), 11-months-of-age (2, 5, 8, 11, 14), and 15-months-of-age (3, 6, 9, 12, 15).

Fig 3. Slide deck for 5-month-old mice and comment ability.

(A) Content of the 5-month study deck. (B) Example images from the atlas at 5 months displaying an example of each magnification taken (1 at 4X, 2 at 10X, 3 at 20X, 4 at 40X, and 5 at 60X).

Fig 4. Slide deck for 11-month-old mice.

(A) Content of the 11-month study deck. (B) Example images from the atlas at 11 months displaying an example of each magnification taken (1 at 4X, 2 at 10X, 3 at 20X, 4 at 40X, and 5 at 60X).

Fig 5. Slide deck for 15-month-old mice.

(A) Content of the 15-month study deck. (B) Example images from the atlas at 15 months displaying an example of each magnification taken (1 at 4X, 2 at 10X, 3 at 20X, 4 at 40X, and 5 at 60X).