Pancreatic cancer: The microenvironment needs attention too!

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Cancer Biology
• Gastroenterology

Background:

• Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is characterized by abundant desmoplastic stroma.
• Pancreatic stellate cells (PSCs) are the primary source of this stromal reaction.
• The stroma contains various cellular components, including immune, endothelial, and neural cells, alongside PSCs.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the role of stromal-cancer cell interactions in PDAC pathobiology.
• To explore the potential of targeting these interactions as a therapeutic strategy.

Main Methods:

• In vitro and in vivo experimental approaches were utilized.
• Studies examined interactions between PSCs and cancer cells.
• Recent research involved animal models with depleted myofibroblasts.

Main Results:

• Accumulating evidence suggests PSCs and stromal interactions promote PDAC local growth and metastasis.
• Some studies indicate these interactions facilitate tumor progression.
• A recent study questioned the central role of myofibroblasts in cancer progression.

Conclusions:

• Interactions between PSCs and cancer cells, as well as other stromal components, are significant in PDAC.
• Pre-clinical therapeutic strategies aim to disrupt stromal-tumour interactions.
• Translating these pre-clinical findings to clinical applications is crucial for improving PDAC patient outcomes.