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Review
. 2022 Apr 20:11:9.
doi: 10.12703/r/11-9. eCollection 2022.

Recent advances in understanding pancreatic cancer

Martyn C Stott  1 , Lucy Oldfield  1 , Jessica Hale  1 , Eithne Costello  1 , Christopher M Halloran  1
Affiliations
Review

Recent advances in understanding pancreatic cancer

Martyn C Stott et al. Fac Rev. .

Abstract

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is an intractable cancer and a leading cause of cancer deaths worldwide. Over 90% of patients die within 1 year of diagnosis. Deaths from PDAC are increasing and it remains a cancer of substantial unmet need. A number of factors contribute to its poor prognosis: namely, late presentation, early metastases and limited systemic therapy options because of chemoresistance. A variety of research approaches underway are aimed at improving patient survival. Here, we review high-risk groups and efforts for early detection. We examine recent developments in the understanding of complex molecular and metabolic alterations which accompany PDAC. We explore artificial intelligence and biological targets for therapy and examine the role of tumour stroma and the immune microenvironment. We also review recent developments with respect to the PDAC microbiome. It is hoped that current research efforts will translate into earlier diagnosis, improvements in treatment and better outcomes for patients.

Keywords: Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC); artificial intelligence; early detection; high-risk groups; immune microenvironment; tumour microbiome; tumour stroma.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare that they have no competing interests.No competing interests were disclosed.No competing interests were disclosed.No competing interests were disclosed.

Figures

Figure 1.
Figure 1.. Research areas contributing to our understanding of pancreatic cancer.
IPMN, intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm; MCN, mucinous cystic neoplasm; PanIN, pancreatic intraepithelial neoplasia; PDAC, pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma; PET-CT, positron emission tomography–computed tomography.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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