Update on current pancreatic treatments: from molecular pathways to treatment

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Cancer Research
• Translational Medicine

Background:

• Pancreatic cancer diagnosis frequently occurs at advanced stages, despite advancements in diagnostic technologies.
• Chemotherapy resistance is a significant challenge in treating pancreatic cancer, highlighting the urgent need for innovative therapeutic strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review recent advancements and ongoing research in pancreatic cancer treatment modalities.
• To highlight emerging therapeutic approaches addressing chemotherapy resistance and late-stage diagnosis.

Main Methods:

• Comprehensive literature search focused on studies published in 2018.
• Analysis of emerging treatment strategies including stem cell therapy, combined modalities, and targeted therapies.

Main Results:

• Several novel therapeutic avenues are under active investigation for pancreatic cancer.
• These include anti-cancer stem cell therapies, combinations of chemotherapy/radiotherapy with immunotherapy, protein/enzyme-based treatments, and gene therapy.
• Targeted treatments with tyrosine kinase inhibitors are in use, with new inhibitors also being evaluated.

Conclusions:

• The review underscores the critical need for novel therapeutic strategies to overcome treatment resistance and improve outcomes in pancreatic cancer.
• Ongoing research into diverse treatment modalities shows promise for future clinical applications.