Pancreas cancer is a deadly disease that can be deadly if not treated properly. While scientists and researchers have been working to improve pancreatic cancer treatment outcomes, the prognosis for the disease remains poor. This article will review the various options for treating pancreatic cancer. While it is important to remember that cancers in the pancreas do not respond to chemotherapy, there are effective treatments for patients suffering from this disease.
The basic molecular profile of pancreatic cancer has been established. It includes activating mutations in the KRAS proto-oncogene, which occurs early in the disease’s progression. Mutations in other tumour suppressor genes are also common and occur in as much as 75% of pancreatic cancers. This information could help doctors develop more effective treatments. In addition to targeting KRAS, researchers are studying CDKN2A and p53 genes.
One study found that nearly 90% of pancreatic cancer patients reported experiencing pain. Nearly half reported moderate to severe levels of pain. However, this number is still high. Despite the high rates of distant metastatic disease, fewer people are dying of pancreatic cancer because of its reduced recurrence rates. Patients with pancreas cancer often discuss pain with their healthcare providers, and most will be prescribed medications to control the intensity of their pain.
Another study found that some people have inherited a mutation in the PALB2 gene. This mutation affects the production of the BRCA2 protein, which coordinates DNA damage repair and prevents tumors. These changes are responsible for approximately 4% of pancreatic cancer cases in families with a PALB2 gene mutation. However, the lifetime risk of developing pancreatic cancer for those with PALB2 gene mutations is unclear. More research is needed to determine how genetics affect the risk of developing pancreatic cancer.
The JSPBM or the Japanese Study Group on Pancreas Cancer has published diagnostic criteria for this disease. The JJBA also published diagnostic criteria for pancreaticobiliary maljunction. A study in the same year by Seki M and Ninomiya E examined patients with congenital biliary duct dilatation and identified three distinct types of pancreaticobiliary maljunction, which is associated with increased risk of cancer.
Although the clinical trials that have shown promise in pancreatic cancer have failed, scientists are left wondering which compounds will make a difference. As a result, the path to a better treatment for pancreas cancer requires more research. GEMMs, or tumor microenvironment models, provide invaluable information for drug development. For example, regaining physiologic blood flow, may lead to new targets and prevent the disease from recurring.
