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Updated: Jun 22, 2026
Multianimal Magnetic Resonance Imaging for Tumor Measurements in Pancreatic Cancer Mouse Models
Published on: February 3, 2026
Emerging drugs in the treatment of pancreatic cancer
Devalingam Mahalingam1, Kevin R Kelly, Ronan T Swords
1Institute of Drug Development, Division of Cancer Research and Therapy Center, University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio, Texas 78229, USA. mahalingam@uthscsa.edu
Background:
Pancreatic cancer is the fourth leading cause of cancer-related death in the US. However, there is a growing belief that novel biological agents could improve survival of patients with this cancer. Gemcitabine-based chemotherapy remains the cornerstone treatment for advanced pancreatic cancers. So far, the current targeted agents that have been used in combination with gemcitabine have failed to improve clinical outcomes. This failure may stem from the heterogeneous molecular pathogenesis of pancreatic cancers, which involves several oncogenic pathways and defined genetic mutations.
Objective:
The aims of this review are: i) to define the existing treatments available at present for patients with pancreatic cancers in the neo-adjuvant, adjuvant, locally advanced and metastatic settings; ii) to highlight the molecular heterogeneity of the cancers and the rationale for targeting specific oncogenic pathways; iii) to give an overview of targeted agents that may potentially have an impact in the treatment of pancreatic cancers.
Conclusions:
Molecular pathogenesis of pancreatic cancer involves several pathways and defined genetic mutations. Targeting these complex molecular pathways with a combination of novel biological and chemotherapeutic agents could potentially improve patient outcome.
Insights
Pancreatic cancer treatment faces challenges due to molecular heterogeneity. Targeting multiple oncogenic pathways with novel biological agents and chemotherapy may improve patient survival.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Molecular Biology
- Cancer Therapeutics
Background:
- Pancreatic cancer is a leading cause of cancer death in the US.
- Current gemcitabine chemotherapy has limitations in improving outcomes for advanced pancreatic cancer.
- Existing targeted therapies combined with gemcitabine have not improved clinical results, possibly due to tumor heterogeneity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review current treatments for pancreatic cancer across different stages (neoadjuvant, adjuvant, locally advanced, metastatic).
- To emphasize the molecular heterogeneity of pancreatic tumors and the rationale for targeted therapy.
- To provide an overview of novel targeted agents with potential therapeutic impact.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of existing pancreatic cancer treatments.
- Analysis of molecular pathogenesis and heterogeneity in pancreatic cancers.
- Survey of emerging targeted agents and their potential clinical applications.
Main Results:
- Current treatment landscape for pancreatic cancer includes chemotherapy and supportive care.
- Pancreatic cancer exhibits significant molecular heterogeneity, involving multiple oncogenic pathways and genetic mutations.
- Several novel targeted agents are under investigation for their potential to overcome treatment resistance.
Conclusions:
- The complex molecular pathogenesis of pancreatic cancer necessitates multi-targeted therapeutic strategies.
- Combining novel biological agents with traditional chemotherapy holds promise for improving patient outcomes.
- Further research into targeted therapies is crucial for advancing pancreatic cancer treatment.
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