Pancreatic Cancer: Molecular Genetics and Clinical Applications

摘要: Pancreatic cancer (PC) is a relatively common type of with dismal prognosis. Recent advances in molecular biology allowed the identification many genes involved pancreatic carcinogenesis; currently, it accepted that PC fundamentally genetic disease caused by inherited and acquired (somatic) mutations cancer-associated (oncogenes, tumour-suppressor genes, genome-maintenance genes). Other genetic/molecular pathways (such as telomere shortening, upregulation overexpression growth factors or their receptors EGFR, TGFβ), tumour angiogenesis alterations developmental signalling Hedgehog pathway)) are also carcinogenesis. carcinogenesis multistep phenomenon, characterised progressive accumulation multiple alterations, which occur an ordered sequence rather than random fashion. Advances our understanding will improve clinical management patients providing better diagnostic, prognostic therapeutic tools. Key Concepts: Pancreatic has been associated cancer-related genes. Genes include oncogenes, genes. Other carcinogenesis, such pathway), TGFβ, VEGF-A, VEGFR1, VEGFR2). Pancreatic occurring fashion. Potential implications recognition groups individuals high risk for development (in these yet undefined programme intensive surveillance may diagnose lesions at pre-invasive stage) new effective tools. Keywords: pancreas; cancer; molecular biology; genes; oncogenes; surgery; management; diagnosis; treatment