Genetic disorders of the pancreas

The venues opened to all by the remarkable studies of the genome are just starting to become manifest; they can now distinguish different variants of a disease; they are given the tools to better understand the pathophysiology of illness; they hope to be able to provide better treatment alternatives to our patients. The examples described in this review demonstrate the applicability of these concepts to pancreatic disorders. Researchers may be just scratching the surface at this time, but the potential is enormous. Many philosophic and ethical questions need to be answered as physicians move along: Should all family members of an index case be screened? Who should pay for testing? Who should get results? But, without the participation of so many patients, their family members, and numerous volunteers, researchers would not have witnessed the bridging of so many gaps as they have so far. All of us may now look forward to the application of this incredible knowledge to the therapeutic solutions so eagerly awaited.