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Author Spotlight: Validating Cancer Therapy Responses with Desmoplastic Spheroid Models
Published on: September 27, 2024
Desmoplasia and chemoresistance in pancreatic cancer
Marvin Schober1, Ralf Jesenofsky2, Ralf Faissner3
1Division of Gastroenterology, Endocrinology and Metabolism, University Hospital, Philipps-Universitaet Marburg, Baldingerstrasse, Marburg 35043, Germany. Marvin.Schober@med.uni-marburg.de.
Abstract:
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) occurs mainly in people older than 50 years of age. Although great strides have been taken in treating PDAC over the past decades its incidence nearly equals its mortality rate and it was quoted as the 4th leading cause of cancer deaths in the U.S. in 2012. This review aims to focus on research models and scientific developments that help to explain the extraordinary resistance of PDAC towards current therapeutic regimens. Furthermore, it highlights the main features of drug resistance including mechanisms promoted by cancer cells or cancer stem cells (CSCs), as well as stromal cells, and the acellular components surrounding the tumor cells-known as peritumoral desmoplasia-that affects intra-tumoral drug delivery. Finally, therapeutic concepts and avenues for future research are suggested, based on the topics discussed.
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