Inflammation-Related Pancreatic Carcinogenesis: Mechanisms and Clinical Potentials in Advances

Chronic inflammation has long been considered critical in pancreatic carcinogenesis, and recently studies showed that some anti-inflammatory agents such as aspirin could potentially be used to attenuate pancreatic carcinogenesis. Several inflammation-related critical transcription factors and pathways such as NF-κB (nuclear factor κ-light-chain enhancer of activated B cells) and reactive oxygen species have been confirmed to be involved in carcinogenesis. However, its underlying mechanisms are far from clear, which largely limits further development of potential anticarcinogenesis drugs. As a result, it is of great importance for us to better understand and gain a better perspective in inflammation-related pancreatic carcinogenesis. In this review, we systematically analyzed recent advances concerning inflammation-related pancreatic carcinogenesis and brought out the possible underlying mechanisms. Potential preventive and therapeutic strategies based on anti-inflammatory agents have also been further discussed.