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Patient-derived Heterogeneous Xenograft Model of Pancreatic Cancer Using Zebrafish Larvae as Hosts for Comparative Drug Assessment
Published on: April 30, 2019
Currently available first-line drug therapies for treating pancreatic cancer
Jennifer L Olson1, Richard J Bold1
1a Division of Surgical Oncology , UC Davis Cancer Center , Sacramento , CA , USA.
Introduction:
Pancreatic adenocarcinoma is the 9th most common cancer in the United States and the 4th most common cause of cancer-related death given its poor prognosis.
Areas Covered:
The authors have performed a literature search for pertinent published clinical trials, ongoing Phase 3 clinical trials, and current treatment guidelines using PubMed, Clinicaltrials.gov, and NCCN, ASCO, ESMO, and JPS websites. The review itself discusses landmark studies and ongoing research into the chemotherapy regimens recommended by each oncologic society. The authors also examine drugs that were promising but failed in Phase 3 trials and those currently being investigated. Finally, the authors provide their expert opinion on the subject and provide their future perspectives.
Expert Opinion:
While advances in chemotherapy for pancreatic cancer have been limited in comparison to other cancers, there have been improvements in survival. Combination therapy and a goal of R0 resection are key elements to extend life. Novel agents directed at the unique properties of pancreatic cancer are promising.
Insights
Pancreatic cancer treatment has seen limited chemotherapy advances but improved survival through combination therapy and R0 resection. Novel agents targeting pancreatic cancer's unique properties show promise for future treatments.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Gastroenterology
Background:
- Pancreatic adenocarcinoma is a leading cause of cancer death in the US with a poor prognosis.
- Advances in chemotherapy for pancreatic cancer lag behind other malignancies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review current and emerging treatment strategies for pancreatic cancer.
- To provide expert perspectives on the future of pancreatic cancer therapy.
Main Methods:
- Comprehensive literature search of PubMed, Clinicaltrials.gov, and major oncologic society guidelines (NCCN, ASCO, ESMO, JPS).
- Analysis of landmark studies, ongoing Phase 3 trials, and recommended chemotherapy regimens.
- Evaluation of investigational drugs and those that failed in late-stage trials.
Main Results:
- Combination chemotherapy and achieving R0 resection are crucial for improving survival.
- Novel therapeutic agents targeting specific pancreatic cancer characteristics are under investigation.
- Despite challenges, there have been incremental improvements in patient survival.
Conclusions:
- Current treatment emphasizes multimodal approaches including chemotherapy and surgical resection.
- Ongoing research into novel agents offers hope for more effective pancreatic cancer therapies.
- Future perspectives involve personalized medicine and targeted therapies for pancreatic adenocarcinoma.
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