Pancreatic Neoplasms
Pancreatic Neoplasms
Purpose of Review: This review describes significant basic science and clinical advances in the field of pancreatic neoplasms.
Recent Findings: Some of the genetic and molecular bases for the aggressive behavior of pancreatic cancer have been uncovered, and new targets for therapy have been identified. Various techniques for diagnosis and staging of this disease-endoscopic ultrasound, laparoscopy-continue to undergo evaluation. Surgical results show slightly improved long-term survival, and perioperative mortality rates remain low. The concept that locally invasive pancreatic cancer can be effectively downstaged and later resected has been called into question. Regional chemotherapy has shown promise, especially when combined with immunotherapy. Intraductal papillary mucinous tumors continue to be commonly encountered and their development and clinical course intensely studied. Acinar cell carcinomas are rare pancreatic neoplasms associated with postresection survival longer than ductal adenocarcinoma but shorter than endocrine carcinoma. Neoplasms metastatic to the pancreas can be resected safely and with improved survival compared with nonsurgical therapies.
Summary: The treatment of pancreatic neoplasms remains a major challenge for physicians and surgeons. Future progress requires sound scientific inquiry and continued clinical diligence.
Of the various tumors that can affect the pancreas, the most common is ductal adenocarcinoma. Currently afflicting more than 30,000 Americans each year, pancreatic cancer (PaCa) is the fifth most common cause of cancer-related death in the United States. Prognosis remains poor (3-5% survival at 5 years after diagnosis), and most patients (80-85%) present with disease so advanced that surgical resection is not possible. Despite these discouraging facts, scientific progress in the diagnosis and treatment of PaCa continues. Interest in the study of this neoplasm, at both the clinical and basic science levels, has surged in recent years, as is evidenced by an increase in the number of publications in the field (Fig. 1). In the past year alone, more than 1325 published articles were listed in MEDLINE. This review summarizes some of the most important.
(Enlarge Image)
Figure 1.
Trend in scientific papers published in MEDLINE on the topic of pancreatic cancer, 1983-2003
Abstract and Introduction
Abstract
Purpose of Review: This review describes significant basic science and clinical advances in the field of pancreatic neoplasms.
Recent Findings: Some of the genetic and molecular bases for the aggressive behavior of pancreatic cancer have been uncovered, and new targets for therapy have been identified. Various techniques for diagnosis and staging of this disease-endoscopic ultrasound, laparoscopy-continue to undergo evaluation. Surgical results show slightly improved long-term survival, and perioperative mortality rates remain low. The concept that locally invasive pancreatic cancer can be effectively downstaged and later resected has been called into question. Regional chemotherapy has shown promise, especially when combined with immunotherapy. Intraductal papillary mucinous tumors continue to be commonly encountered and their development and clinical course intensely studied. Acinar cell carcinomas are rare pancreatic neoplasms associated with postresection survival longer than ductal adenocarcinoma but shorter than endocrine carcinoma. Neoplasms metastatic to the pancreas can be resected safely and with improved survival compared with nonsurgical therapies.
Summary: The treatment of pancreatic neoplasms remains a major challenge for physicians and surgeons. Future progress requires sound scientific inquiry and continued clinical diligence.
Introduction
Of the various tumors that can affect the pancreas, the most common is ductal adenocarcinoma. Currently afflicting more than 30,000 Americans each year, pancreatic cancer (PaCa) is the fifth most common cause of cancer-related death in the United States. Prognosis remains poor (3-5% survival at 5 years after diagnosis), and most patients (80-85%) present with disease so advanced that surgical resection is not possible. Despite these discouraging facts, scientific progress in the diagnosis and treatment of PaCa continues. Interest in the study of this neoplasm, at both the clinical and basic science levels, has surged in recent years, as is evidenced by an increase in the number of publications in the field (Fig. 1). In the past year alone, more than 1325 published articles were listed in MEDLINE. This review summarizes some of the most important.
(Enlarge Image)
Figure 1.
Trend in scientific papers published in MEDLINE on the topic of pancreatic cancer, 1983-2003
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