The Paradoxical Web of Pancreatic Cancer Tumor Microenvironment

Kelly J Lafaro1, Laleh G Melstrom1

  • 1Department of Surgery, City of Hope National Medical Center, Duarte, California.

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Early diagnosis and treatment can often cure cancer. However, even with treatment, residual cells called cancer stem cells (CSC) might remain, often causing tumor recurrence. These cancer stem cells possess the potential for self-renewal and multi-lineage differentiation and are often responsible for the therapeutic resistance displayed in most cancers.
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Genes usually encode proteins necessary for the proper functioning of a healthy cell. Mutations can often cause changes to the gene expression pattern, thereby altering the phenotype.
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Such genes that act...
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Pancreatitis is inflammation of the pancreas, an organ located behind the stomach. It can be either acute or chronic.
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The pancreas, an elongated and flat gland situated behind the stomach, serves a vital function in digesting food and managing blood sugar levels.
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