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Updated: Oct 17, 2025
Dynamic Contrast Enhanced Magnetic Resonance Imaging of an Orthotopic Pancreatic Cancer Mouse Model
Published on: April 18, 2015
Rationale for MYC imaging and targeting in pancreatic cancer
Günter Schneider1,2,3, Matthias Wirth4,5, Ulrich Keller6,7,8
1Medical Clinic and Policlinic II, Klinikum Rechts Der Isar, TU Munich, 81675, Munich, Germany. guenter.schneider@med.uni-goettingen.de.
Abstract:
The incidence and lethality of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) will continue to increase in the next decade. For most patients, chemotherapeutic combination therapies remain the standard of care. The development and successful implementation of precision oncology in other gastrointestinal tumor entities point to opportunities also for PDAC. Therefore, markers linked to specific therapeutic responses and important subgroups of the disease are needed. The MYC oncogene is a relevant driver in PDAC and is linked to drug resistance and sensitivity. Here, we update recent insights into MYC biology in PDAC, summarize the connections between MYC and drug responses, and point to an opportunity to image MYC non-invasively. In sum, we propose MYC-associated biology as a basis for the development of concepts for precision oncology in PDAC.
Insights
Pancreatic cancer (PDAC) is rising. Targeting the MYC oncogene offers new precision oncology strategies, potentially improving treatment response and enabling non-invasive imaging for this deadly disease.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Molecular Biology
- Genetics
Background:
- Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) incidence and mortality are projected to rise.
- Current standard care relies on combination chemotherapies.
- Precision oncology advancements in other cancers highlight potential for PDAC.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the role of the MYC oncogene in PDAC.
- To identify MYC as a potential biomarker for therapeutic response.
- To investigate non-invasive imaging of MYC for PDAC management.
Main Methods:
- Review of recent insights into MYC oncogene biology in PDAC.
- Analysis of the relationship between MYC expression and drug sensitivity/resistance.
- Exploration of non-invasive imaging techniques for MYC.
Main Results:
- The MYC oncogene is a significant driver in PDAC.
- MYC status correlates with differential responses to therapies.
- Non-invasive imaging of MYC is a potential future direction.
Conclusions:
- MYC-driven biology presents a promising avenue for PDAC precision oncology.
- Targeting MYC could lead to improved patient stratification and treatment outcomes.
- Further research into MYC-associated biomarkers and imaging is warranted.
