Pancreatic cancer: Molecular biology and early detection

Czech version

Authors: A. Ságlová; J. Špičák; T. Hucl
Authors‘ workplace: Přednosta: prof. MUDr. Julius Špičák, CSc. ; Klinika hepatogastroenterologie IKEM
Published in: Prakt. Lék. 2010; 90(8): 489-493
Category: Diagnostis

Overview

Pancreatic cancer is a disease with high malignant potential and is the fourth leading cause of cancer-related death for both men and women. Most patients die within 1 year of diagnosis. It is possible that one out of six cancers occurs in a setting of inherited risk. Like all epithelial malignancies, pancreatic cancer arises by a stepwise progression from non-invasive precursors called PanIN (Pancreatic intraepithelial Neoplasia1, 2, 3), which together with IPMN (Intraductal papillary mucinous Neoplasms) and MCN (Mucinous Cystic Neoplasms) represent lesions with malignant potential. Their histological progression follows genetic progression and some of them can be detected by imaging methods. Identification of patients with hereditary predisposition, early detection of pancreatic cancer precursors and identification of specific molecular alterations to enable rational therapy provide hope for early diagnosis and effective treatment.

Key words:
pancreatic cancer, pathogenesis, screening.

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