FOLFIRINOX or Gemcitabine as Adjuvant Therapy for Pancreatic Cancer

Quality of Life and Toxicity in Patients With Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma Treated With Online Adaptive Stereotactic Magnetic Resonance Guided Radiation Therapy

PURPOSE

Online adaptive magnetic resonance guided radiation therapy (MRgRT) using a hybrid magnetic resonance imaging and linear accelerator enables stereotactic ablative radiation doses to pancreatic tumors. We evaluated patient-reported quality of life (QoL) and clinician-reported toxicity in patients with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma after stereotactic MRgRT.

METHOD

Patients with nonmetastatic pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma treated with stereotactic MRgRT on a 1.5-Tesla magnetic resonance imaging and linear accelerator according to local standard practices between May 2019 and December 2023 were identified using the international, prospective observational Multi-OutcoMe EvaluatioN of radiation Therapy Using the MR-Linac study (MOMENTUM, NCT04075305). Patient-reported QoL and clinician-reported toxicity were assessed using the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Core Quality-of-Life Questionnaires and National Cancer Institute Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events at baseline, 3, 6, and 12 months of follow-up. Patients with new systemic therapy or resection were censored. Patients with disease progression were additionally censored for a sensitivity analysis. Mean difference (MD) QoL scores from baseline were estimated using a linear mixed model, which were evaluated for clinical relevance (MD ≥ 10) and statistical significance (P ≤ .05). Acute (≤3 months follow-up) and late (3-12 months follow-up) toxicity was captured if grade ≥3.

RESULTS

A total of 127 patients were included from 8 centers. Treatment dose ranged from 30 to 50 Gy in 5 fractions. Functional QoL domains remained stable over time. A statistically significant and clinically relevant improvement was found for nausea and vomiting (MD -10; 95% CI, -17 to -3; P < .001), and in the sensitivity analysis for nausea and vomiting (MD -11; 95% CI -18 to -3; P < .001) and appetite (MD -14; 95% CI -28 to 0; P = .05), all at 6 months follow-up. No clinically relevant and statistically significant deterioration was found in other domains. New-onset acute and late grade 3 toxicity occurred in 2 patients and 1 patient, respectively.

CONCLUSION

Stereotactic MRgRT for patients with nonmetastatic pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma was associated with stable functioning, improved disease-related symptoms, and minimal toxicity up to 12 months after treatment.

Development of Multiparametric Prognostic Models for Stereotactic Magnetic Resonance Guided Radiation Therapy of Pancreatic Cancers

PURPOSE

Stereotactic magnetic resonance guided adaptive radiation therapy (SMART) is a new option for local treatment of unresectable pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma, showing interesting survival and local control (LC) results. Despite this, some patients will experience early local and/or metastatic recurrence leading to death. We aimed to develop multiparametric prognostic models for these patients.

METHODS AND MATERIALS

All patients treated in our institution with SMART for an unresectable pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma between October 21, 2019, and August 5, 2022 were included. Several initial clinical characteristics as well as dosimetric data of SMART were recorded. Radiomics data from 0.35-T simulation magnetic resonance imaging were extracted. All these data were combined to build prognostic models of overall survival (OS) and LC using machine learning algorithms.

RESULTS

Eighty-three patients with a median age of 64.9 years were included. A majority of patients had a locally advanced pancreatic cancer (77%). The median OS was 21 months after SMART completion and 27 months after chemotherapy initiation. The 6- and 12-month post-SMART OS was 87.8% (IC95%, 78.2%-93.2%) and 70.9% (IC95%, 58.8%-80.0%), respectively. The best model for OS was the Cox proportional hazard survival analysis using clinical data, with a concordance index inverse probability of censoring weighted of 0.87. Tested on its 12-month OS prediction capacity, this model had good performance (sensitivity 67%, specificity 71%, and area under the curve 0.90). The median LC was not reached. The 6- and 12-month post-SMART LC was 92.4% [IC95%, 83.7%-96.6%] and 76.3% [IC95%, 62.6%-85.5%], respectively. The best model for LC was the component-wise gradient boosting survival analysis using clinical and radiomics data, with a concordance index inverse probability of censoring weighted of 0.80. Tested on its 9-month LC prediction capacity, this model had good performance (sensitivity 50%, specificity 97%, and area under the curve 0.78).

CONCLUSIONS

Combining clinical and radiomics data in multiparametric prognostic models using machine learning algorithms showed good performance for the prediction of OS and LC. External validation of these models will be needed.

Blood Sample Collection in Randomized Controlled Trials for Biomarker Discovery and Validation: Experience of the PREOPANC-2 Trial

BACKGROUND

This study aimed to investigate the feasibility and yield of blood sample collection in an investigator-initiated nationwide randomized controlled trial (RCT).

METHODS

In the PREOPANC-2 trial, 375 patients with (borderline) resectable pancreatic cancer were randomly assigned to two neoadjuvant regiments in 19 centers in the Netherlands (2018-2021). Blood sample collection was scheduled at seven time points before, during, and after treatment. The primary outcome was the proportion of successfully collected blood samples at each scheduled time point.

RESULTS

Of the 375 randomized patients, 12 were excluded from blood sample collection before any treatment. From the remaining 363 patients, 1513 (87 %) of 1748 blood samples were collected, processed, mailed, and centrally stored. The blood samples were collected before treatment from 347 (96 %) of the 363 patients, after the first neoadjuvant cycle from 322 (94 %) of 343 patients, after neoadjuvant treatment (i.e., before surgery) from 260 (83 %) of 313 patients, and after surgery from 210 (77 %) of 271 patients. During the follow-up visits, blood samples were collected from 147 (82 %) of 179 patients 12 months after randomization and from 83 (77 %) of 108 patients after 24 months. A total of 220 samples (13 %) were missing. The most common causes for missing blood samples were scheduling oversights, unsuccessful blood draw attempts, and mailing failures (151 times, 69 %). Blood sample collection was canceled 69 times (31 %) due to COVID-19.

CONCLUSION

Blood sample collection in the PREOPANC-2 trial had a yield of 96 % before treatment and an overall yield of 87 %. Collection of blood samples for biomarker studies is feasible in a nationwide RCT.

KRAS inhibition reverses chemotherapy resistance promoted by therapy-induced senescence-like in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma

BACKGROUND

Emerging evidence suggests that chemotherapy can accumulate senescent-like cells within tumor tissues, a phenomenon linked to therapy resistance. The aim of this study is to analyze the senescence-like state of after-treatment persistent cells associated with KRAS mutational status to offer a therapeutic strategy to target these cells in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC).

EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN

Three commercial cell lines and five patient-derived primary cell cultures with different KRAS statuses were studied following gemcitabine treatment. Senescence-like status was assessed using SA-β-gal, together with cell cycle regulators such as p21. Additionally, KRAS mutations were modulated using MRTX1133 and AMG-510, and the signaling pathways ERK and AKT were analyzed and modulated in vitro. Finally, p21 expression, associated with the senescence-like state, on patient outcomes and treatment response was analyzed in publicly available bulk RNA-seq and single-nucleus datasets.

RESULTS

We observed an overexpression of p21 alongside an increase in SA-β-gal signal in response to gemcitabine treatment, indicating the induction of a senescence-like state. Specific inhibition of KRAS G12D or G12C mutations reduced SA-β-gal signal and sensitized PDAC cells to gemcitabine. Moreover, ERK inhibition but not AKT inhibition decreased SA-β-gal signal. Additionally, we characterized p21 expression levels in relation to patient outcomes and found that they are modulated by treatment.

CONCLUSIONS

This dual-targeted therapeutic strategy holds promises for overcoming the challenges posed by KRAS-driven cancers, particularly in addressing the formidable obstacle of pancreatic cancer.

The relationship of the microbiome, associated metabolites and the gut barrier with pancreatic cancer

Pancreatic cancers have high mortality and rising incidence rates which may be related to unhealthy western-type dietary and lifestyle patterns as well as increasing body weights and obesity rates. Recent data also suggest a role for the gut microbiome in the development of pancreatic cancer. Here, we review the experimental and observational evidence for the roles of the oral, gut and intratumoural microbiomes, impaired gut barrier function and exposure to inflammatory compounds as well as metabolic dysfunction as contributors to pancreatic disease with a focus on pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) initiation and progression. We also highlight some emerging gut microbiome editing techniques currently being investigated in the context of pancreatic disease. Notably, while the gut microbiome is significantly altered in PDAC and its precursor diseases, its utility as a diagnostic and prognostic tool is hindered by a lack of reproducibility and the potential for reverse causality in case-control cohorts. Future research should emphasise longitudinal and mechanistic studies as well as integrating lifestyle exposure and multi-omics data to unravel complex host-microbiome interactions. This will allow for deeper aetiologic and mechanistic insights that can inform treatments and guide public health recommendations.

Cognate Nanovaccine Promotes Tertiary Lymphoid Structures Function and Strengthens Immune Cell Cross-Talk by Targeting Exhausted T Cells in Nonimmunogenic Cancers

Tertiary lymphoid structures (TLSs) serve as hubs for immune cell activation and coordination to generate qualitative local immune responses within tumors. However, the effect of TLSs in pancreatic adenocarcinoma is limited by a poorly immunogenic tumor microenvironment and severe T-cell exhaustion. In this study, we found that tumor-infiltrating T cells, particularly TLS-associated T cells, predominantly exhibit terminal exhaustion characterized by high T-cell immunoglobulin and mucin domain-containing protein 3 (TIM-3) expression in patients with pancreatic cancer, affecting their contribution to antitumor immunity. Thus, we developed a therapeutic nanovaccine by fusing antigen-sensitized dendritic cell membranes with TIM-3-targeted lipid nanoparticles (MLP-aTIM-3) to synergistically reverse T-cell exhaustion. The prepared nanovaccine provides cognate antigens and costimulation to the exhausted T cells by the TIM-3/aTIM-3 interaction. In vitro and in vivo studies demonstrate that targeting T-cell exhaustion through the MLP-aTIM-3 not only restores T-cell reactivity but also promotes the formation and maturation of TLSs, leading to superior antitumor efficacy in an orthotopic pancreatic cancer model. Additionally, the therapeutic efficacy of MLP-aTIM-3 extends to other tumor models, such as liver metastasis and colorectal cancer. Our study suggests that targeting T-cell exhaustion while enhancing TLS function with MLP-aTIM-3 offers a promising strategy for improving the immune response in nonimmunogenic cancers.

Gastrointestinal symptoms in the journey of pancreatic cancer patients

INTRODUCTION

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is a lethal malignancy frequently arising with nonspecific and overlooked gastrointestinal symptoms. Gastroenterologists are typically the first specialists to encounter these patients, positioning them to play a pivotal role not only in early diagnosis, but also in the ongoing management of the disease's complex symptom burden.

AREAS COVERED

This review explored gastrointestinal symptoms in patients with PDAC (ranging from pain and diarrhea to anorexia, jaundice, and nausea) and outlined both tumor- and treatment-related causes. A literature review based on non-systematic PubMed search updated to April 2025 was conducted to summarize current diagnostic strategies, medical, endoscopic therapies, and multidisciplinary management approaches. In addition, we present original data from a single-center cohort, suggesting that the involvement of gastroenterologists leads to more comprehensive management of gastrointestinal symptom control and supportive care.

EXPERT OPINION

Collaboration among specialists is essential for optimizing patient outcomes in the multidisciplinary management of PDAC. Gastroenterologists' 'stewardship' significantly contributes to prompt diagnosis, symptom control, quality of life preservation, and prognosis. Future priorities should focus on strengthening integration within care pathways, fostering interdisciplinary coordination, and implementing shared clinical tools to enhance comprehensive patient care. A well-structured team-based approach is key to advancing holistic PDAC management.

5-Year survival rate over 20 % in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma: A retrospective study from a Chinese high-volume center

Standardized clinical management of pancreatic adenocarcinoma (PDAC) remains challenging and high-volume centers provide essential insights for establishing effective multimodal treatment approaches. This retrospective observational study evaluated the impact of standardized, multimodal clinical management on survival outcomes in patients with PDAC across all stages, based on NCCN guidelines resectability criteria, at a high-volume center. From 2019, 4143 patients were diagnosed with PDAC, with 3268 patients receiving further treatment, including surgical resection and/or systemic therapy. The median overall survival (OS) was 18.5 (95 %CI 17.5-19.4) months for the treated cohort and the 5-year survival rate reached 23.3 %. Patients who underwent surgical resection had significantly improved median OS compared to those who received non-surgical treatments (28.4 months vs. 13.0 months, P < 0.001), with corresponding 5-year survival rates of 31.6 % vs. 15.0 %. Moreover, the patients who received NAT followed by surgical resection had improved survival outcomes compared to those who underwent upfront surgical resection in both resectable (median OS: 37.5 months vs. 28.9 months, P < 0.01) and borderline resectable group (median OS: 31.8 months vs. 18.4 months, P < 0.001). This study demonstrated a 5-year survival rate exceeding 20 % for PDAC across all stages at our center. The application of evidence-based treatment strategies through the multidisciplinary team, accompanying with standardized and comprehensive therapeutic managements, high patient adherence, have been considered as critical determinants in enhancing therapeutic efficacy and improving long-term prognosis for patients with PDAC.

Improving outcomes of patients with pancreatic cancer

Research studies aimed at improving the outcomes of patients with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) have brought about limited progress, and in clinical practice, the optimized use of surgery, chemotherapy and supportive care have led to modest improvements in survival that have probably reached a plateau. As a result, PDAC is expected to be the second leading cause of cancer-related death in Western societies within a decade. The development of therapeutic advances in PDAC has been challenging owing to a lack of actionable molecular targets, a typically immunosuppressive microenvironment, and a disease course characterized by rapid progression and clinical deterioration. Yet, the progress in our understanding of PDAC and identification of novel therapeutic opportunities over the past few years is leading to a strong sense of optimism in the field. In this Perspective, we address the aforementioned challenges, including biological aspects of PDAC that make this malignancy particularly difficult to treat. We explore specific areas with potential for therapeutic advances, including targeting mutant KRAS, novel strategies to harness the antitumour immune response and approaches to early detection, and propose mechanisms to improve clinical trial design and to overcome various community and institutional barriers to progress.

Moving From the Background Toward the Spotlight: A Critical Review of Radiation Therapy for Locally Advanced Pancreas Cancer

Radiation therapy (RT) for locally advanced pancreatic cancer (LAPC) continues to be controversial. Advances in both systemic therapy and RT techniques have changed the landscape of LAPC management in recent years. Clinical outcomes of ablative RT have been encouraging, and randomized clinical trials may clarify the role of RT for LAPC. We present a contemporary critical review of key aspects regarding optimal patient selection, radiation dose escalation techniques, novel radiosensitizers and radioprotectors, and treatment response assessment for LAPC.

LPA released from dying cancer cells after chemotherapy inactivates Hippo signaling and promotes pancreatic cancer cell repopulation

PURPOSE

The Hippo pathway in the tumorigenesis and progression of PDAC, with lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) regulating the Hippo pathway to facilitate cancer progression. However, the impact of the Hippo signaling pathway on tumor repopulation in PDAC remains unreported.

METHODS

Direct and indirect co-culture models to investigate gemcitabine-induced apoptotic cells can facilitate the repopulation of residual tumor cells. Mass spectrometry analysis was conducted to assess the impact of gemcitabine treatment on the lipid metabolism of pancreatic cancer cells. ELISA assays confirmed gemcitabine promotes the release of LPA from apoptotic pancreatic cancer cells. The expression of Yes-associated protein 1 (YAP1) elucidated the underlying mechanism by which dying cells induce tumor repopulation using qRT-PCR and Western blot. We studied the biological function of pancreatic cancer cells using CCK-8, colony formation, and transwell invasion assays in vitro. Co-culture models were used to validate the impact of Hippo pathway on tumor repopulation, while flow cytometry was employed to assess the sensitivity of pancreatic cancer cells to gemcitabine in the context of Hippo pathway.

RESULTS

Gemcitabine-induced dying cells released LPA in a dose-dependent manner, which promoted the proliferation, clonal formation, and invasion of pancreatic cancer cells. Mechanistic studies showed that gemcitabine and LPA facilitated the translocation of YAP1 and induced the inactivation of the Hippo pathway. YAP1 overexpression significantly enhanced the activity of autotaxin, leading to stimulated pancreatic cancer cells to secrete LPA. This mechanism orchestrated a self-sustaining LPA-Hippo feedback loop, which drove the repopulation of residual tumor cells. Simultaneously, it was observed that suppressing LPA and YAP1 expression enhanced the sensitivity of pancreatic cancer cells to gemcitabine.

CONCLUSION

Our investigation indicated that targeting the LPA-YAP1 signaling pathway could serve as a promising strategy to augment the overall therapeutic efficacy against PDAC.

Evaluation of Short and Long-term Outcomes After Resection in Patients With Locally Advanced Versus (Borderline) Resectable Pancreatic Cancer

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate short and long-term outcomes after pancreatectomy in patients with locally advanced pancreatic cancer (LAPC) compared with patients with (borderline) resectable pancreatic cancer [(B)RPC].

BACKGROUND

Selected patients diagnosed with LAPC are increasingly undergoing resection after induction chemotherapy. To evaluate the benefit of this treatment approach, it is helpful to compare outcomes in resected patients with primary LAPC to outcomes in resected patients with primary (B)RPC.

METHODS

Two prospectively maintained nationwide databases were used for this study. Patients with (B)RPC undergoing upfront tumor resection and patients with resected LAPC after induction therapy were included. Outcomes were postoperative pancreas-specific complications, 90-day mortality, pathologic outcomes, disease-free interval, and overall survival.

RESULTS

Overall, 879 patients were included; 103 with LAPC (12%) and 776 with (B)RPC (88%). Patients with LAPC had a lower World Health Organization performance score and ageadjusted Charlson Comorbidity Index. Postoperative pancreas-specific complications were comparable between groups, except delayed gastric emptying grade C, which occurred more often in patients with LAPC (9% vs 3%, P = 0.03). Ninety-day mortality was comparable. About half of the patients in both groups [54% in LAPC vs 48% in (B)RPC, P = 0.21] had a radical resection (R0). Disease-free interval was 13 months in both groups ( P = 0.12) and overall survival from the date of diagnosis was 24 months in patients with LAPC and 19 months in patients with (B)RPC ( P = 0.34).

CONCLUSIONS

In our nationwide prospective databases, pancreas-specific complications, mortality, and survival in patients with LAPC after pancreatectomy are comparable with those undergoing resection for (B)RPC. These outcomes suggest that postoperative morbidity and mortality after tumor resection in carefully selected patients with LAPC are acceptable.

miR-135b-5p/PDE3B Axis Regulates Gemcitabine Resistance in Pancreatic Cancer Through Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition

Gemcitabine-based chemotherapy is an effective treatment for pancreatic cancer (PC), but gemcitabine resistance frequently compromises the therapeutic efficacy, resulting in clinical chemotherapeutic failure and a poor prognosis for patients. In this study, we investigated the mechanisms of gemcitabine chemoresistance in PC by examining the roles of microRNAs linked to gemcitabine resistance and their downstream signaling pathways. In vitro experiments were performed to alter miR-135b-5p levels in PC parental and drug-resistant cells to probe its function. miR-135b-5p targets PDE3B was confirmed by using RNA-seq technology to screen for gemcitabine-resistance-associated mRNAs in PC. A series of rescue experiments were performed after cotransfection, demonstrating that PDE3B could reverse miR-135b-5p-mediated chemoresistance and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). These findings indicate that the miR-135b-5p/PDE3B axis generates resistance by stimulating the EMT signaling pathway, which provides new insights into gemcitabine chemoresistance in PC.

Metabolic reprogramming of drug resistance in pancreatic cancer: mechanisms and effects

Pancreatic cancer is a highly aggressive gastrointestinal malignancy, often termed the "king of cancers" due to its notoriously high mortality rate. Its clinical characteristics, including late diagnosis, low surgical resectability, high recurrence rates, significant chemoresistance, and poor prognosis have collectively driven the persistent rise in incidence and mortality. Despite ongoing advancements in therapeutic strategies, the management of pancreatic cancer, particularly at advanced stages, remains challenging. Chemotherapy remains the mainstay of current treatment. However, the prevalent problem of chemotherapy resistance poses a significant obstacle to effective treatment. Metabolic reprogramming, characterized by alterations in glucose metabolism, lipid biosynthesis, and amino acid utilization, supports the high energy demands and rapid proliferation of cancer cells. Emerging evidence suggests that these metabolic changes, possibly mediated by epigenetic mechanisms, also contribute to tumorigenesis and metastasis. These findings highlight the critical role of metabolic alterations in pancreatic cancer pathogenesis. This review explores the relationship between metabolic reprogramming and chemotherapy resistance, discussing underlying mechanisms and summarizing preclinical studies and drug development targeting metabolism. The aim is to provide a comprehensive perspective on potential therapeutic strategies for pancreatic cancer.

Clinical Outcomes of Neoadjuvant Therapy Versus Upfront Surgery in Resectable Pancreatic Cancer: Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Latest Randomized Controlled Trials

BACKGROUND

Survival and surgical benefits of neoadjuvant treatments (NAT) in resectable pancreatic cancer (RPC) remains unclear. The role of NAT in providing additional benefits to reduce biological aggressiveness and recurrence is worth elucidating. We assessed the latest randomized controlled trials (RCTs).

METHODS

A systematic review and meta-analysis was performed including trials published from inception to February 2024 to evaluate survival, surgical, and short-term oncological benefits with RCTs for RPC, comparing NAT with upfront surgery.

RESULTS

Eight RCTs with 982 patients were analyzed. RPC treated with NAT conferred better median disease-free survival (DFS) compared to upfront surgery (HR = 0.66, p = 0.01) with a significantly improved R0 resection (RR = 1.20, p = 0.04) and pN0 rate (RR = 1.68, p < 0.001). These benefits did not translate into overall survival benefits (HR = 0.81, p = 0.06). Postoperative major morbidity and mortality did not differ significantly between treatment approaches. No significant difference was noted in resection rate (RR = 0.95, p = 0.21). However, a significantly lower surgical exploration rate was exhibited in the NAT group (RR = 0.84, p = 0.007).

CONCLUSION

NAT conferred better DFS with significantly improved R0 resection rate and pN0 rate compared with upfront surgery. Our findings highlight the potential benefits of NAT in enhancing survival, surgical, and short-term oncological outcomes without increasing postoperative risks.

Pancreatic resection with perioperative drug repurposing of propranolol and etodolac - the phase II randomized controlled PROSPER trial

PURPOSE

The perioperative period is characterized by psychological stress and inflammatory reactions that can contribute to disease recurrence or metastatic spread. These reactions are mediated particularly by catecholamines and prostaglandins. The PROSPER trial aimed to evaluate whether a perioperative drug repurposing with a non-selective betablocker (propranolol) and a COX-2 inhibitor (etodolac) is feasible and safe in the setting of pancreatic cancer surgery.

METHODS

Patients undergoing partial pancreatoduodenectomy for pancreatic cancer were randomized to perioperative treatment with propranolol and etodolac or placebo. Main safety endpoint was the rate of serious adverse events (SAE) and the main feasibility endpoint was adherence. Overall and disease-free survival (DFS) as well as recurrences were assessed as efficacy parameters and the trial was accompanied by a translational study.

RESULTS

The trial was prematurely closed due to slow recruitment. 26 patients were randomized, but 6 never started trial medication. Finally, 9 patients received the trial medication and 11 patients placebo. There were 6 SAE in the treatment vs. 14 in the placebo group. Adherence was lower in the treatment group, but without statistically significance. Median DFS was 16.36 months (95%-CI 1.18 - not reached) in verum vs. 11.25 (95%-CI 2.2 - 17.25) in placebo group. The rate of distant recurrences was 11.1% in verum vs. 54.5% in placebo group.

CONCLUSION

There were no safety concerns, but the trial intervention was not feasible given slow recruitment and limited adherence. However, the translational study and preliminary efficacy data revealed some promising findings, warranting further investigation.

REGISTRATION

DRKS00014054.

FAM111B and FANCD2, a dual expression signature, defines a distinct phenotype of pancreatic cancer

BACKGROUND

Despite various treatment strategies, the incidence and mortality of pancreatic cancer (PC) are among the highest for malignant tumors. Furthermore, there is a lack of effective molecular typing and targeted therapy to treat PC subtypes.

METHODS

Multiplex immunofluorescence experiments were performed to explore the roles of FAM111B, FANCD2, KRAS and TP53 in human PC tissues. Kaplan-Meier survival curves were generated and a nomogram was prepared for prognostic prediction. Protein correlations were analyzed using human PC tissues and TCGA and GEO data. Pathways analysis, immunoanalysis, and drug susceptibility analysis were performed based on information in the TCGA database.

RESULTS

Our results indicate that expression of FAM111B and FANCD2 is correlated in human PC tissues and comprises a dual expression signature with predictive value for the prognosis of PC. Using information in public databases, we confirmed the oncogenic relevance of FAM111B and FANCD2 in PC and identified a positive correlation between FAM111B, FANCD2, TP53 and KRAS.FAM111B and FANCD2 jointly regulate ferroptosis, mitotic nuclear division, and nuclear division pathways. Both proteins were demonstrated to be positively correlated with markers of CD4 + Th2 cells and PD-L1 in the tumor microenvironment. Furthermore, drug sensitivity analysis suggested that patients with high FAM111B or FANCD2 expression were highly sensitive to chemotherapeutic and targeted drugs, indicating that these proteins may serve as predictors of treatment efficacy.

CONCLUSION

Elevated dual expression of FAM111B and FANCD2 is indicative of poor prognosis, alters the immune microenvironment, and exhibits sensitivity to certain therapeutic agents. Consequently, the high FAM111B/FANCD2 expression subtype may represent a novel and distinct phenotype of PC.

ME3BP-7 is a targeted cytotoxic agent that rapidly kills pancreatic cancer cells expressing high levels of monocarboxylate transporter MCT1

Nearly 30% of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinomas (PDACs) exhibit a marked overexpression of monocarboxylate transporter 1 (MCT1) offering a unique opportunity for therapy. However, biochemical inhibitors of MCT1 have proven unsuccessful in clinical trials. In this study, we present an alternative approach using 3-bromopyruvate (3BP) to target MCT1 overexpressing PDACs. 3BP is a cytotoxic agent that is known to be transported into cells via MCT1, but its clinical usefulness has been hampered by difficulties in delivering the drug systemically. We describe here a novel microencapsulated formulation of 3BP (ME3BP-7), which is effective against a variety of PDAC cells in vitro and remains stable in serum. Furthermore, systemically administered ME3BP-7 significantly reduces pancreatic cancer growth and metastatic spread in multiple orthotopic models of pancreatic cancer with manageable toxicity. ME3BP-7 is, therefore, a prototype of a promising new drug, in which the targeting moiety and the cytotoxic moiety are both contained within the same single small molecule.

ARHGAP11A is a potential prognostic biomarker and therapeutic target for pancreatic adenocarcinoma

The prognosis of pancreatic adenocarcinoma remains dismal up to now, partly owing to a lack of clinically feasible therapeutic targets. ARHGAP11A, a member of Rho GTPase-activating proteins family, has been reported as a prognostic biomarker and oncogene for multiple cancers. However, the specific effects of ARHGAP11A in pancreatic adenocarcinoma remain obscure. In this study, we explored and validated the oncogenic role of ARHGAP11A in pancreatic adenocarcinoma via thorough bioinformatics analyses of public databases and our own RNA-seq data, and in vitro experiments. We found that ARHGAP11A was significantly upregulated in pancreatic adenocarcinoma and correlated with poor clinical outcomes of pancreatic adenocarcinoma patients. Functional enrichment analyses revealed that ARHGAP11A-related genes were enriched in pathways of cell cycle and cell apoptosis. Further molecular functional experiments on ARHGAP11A knockdown pancreatic adenocarcinoma cell lines demonstrated that ARHGAP11A knockdown significantly inhibited cell proliferation, promoted cell cycle arrest in the G1/S stage, and induced cell apoptosis. In comparison, overexpression of ARHGAP11A could remarkably promote the proliferation, cell cycle progression, and apoptosis resistance of pancreatic adenocarcinoma cells. In conclusion, our study demonstrates that ARHGAP11A plays an oncogenic role in pancreatic adenocarcinoma, thus providing a novel therapeutic target and prognostic biomarker for patients with pancreatic adenocarcinoma.

CSF1-CAR Specifically Targets CSF1R+ Pancreatic Cancer Cells and Tumor-Associated Macrophages

SUMMARY

A highly suppressive tumor immune microenvironment and nonspecific target endow malignant tumors with CAR-T cells. CSF1R is highly expressed on pancreatic cancer tissues compares with normal tissues in GEPIA database and M2 macrophages mainly contributing to the suppressive tumor microenvironment (TME), suggesting that CSF1R is a suitable antigen. CSF1 is the natural ligand of CSF1R, so we constructed a CSF1-CAR and tested its cytotoxic effect on tumor cells and macrophages in vitro. Our results demonstrated that CSF1-CAR-T cells can lyse tumor cells dependent on CSF1R expression. Meanwhile, CSF1-CAR-T also lyse CSF1R+ M2 macrophages, suggesting that CSF1-CAR-T cells play a role in eliminating tumor cells and remodeling the TME.

PRODIGE 29-UCGI 26 (NEOPAN): A Phase III Randomized Trial Comparing Chemotherapy With FOLFIRINOX or Gemcitabine in Locally Advanced Pancreatic Carcinoma

PURPOSE

More than 30% of patients with pancreatic cancer are unresectable because of the local extension with a median overall survival (OS) of <1 year. Combination of fluorouracil (FU), oxaliplatin, and irinotecan (FOLFIRINOX) is superior to gemcitabine in the treatment of metastatic pancreatic cancer, but standard of care remains gemcitabine in locally advanced pancreatic cancer (LAPC).

METHODS

Patients with histologically proven LAPC not suitable for surgery, Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group WHO performance status (PS) ≤1 were eligible. Random assignment was stratified by center, tumor localization (pancreas head yes/no), WHO PS (0 v 1), and age (≤60 years v >60 years). Patients received FOLFIRINOX or gemcitabine for 6 months. The primary end point was progression-free survival (PFS). Main secondary end points were OS, time to treatment failure, quality of life, and safety. One hundred seventy patients (142 events) were needed to detect an increase of 3 months in PFS with 80% power (log-rank test, 5% two-sided α).

RESULTS

One hundred seventy one patients age 35-84 years were included and followed for a maximum of 5 years. With a median follow-up of 59.6 months (95% CI, 42.3 to not reached), 168 events were observed and the median PFS was 9.7 months (95% CI, 7.0 to 11.7) with FOLFIRINOX versus 7.7 months (95% CI, 6.2 to 9.2) with gemcitabine, hazard ratio (HR), 0.7 (95% CI, 0.5 to 1.0), P = .04. The median OS was 15.7 months (95% CI, 11.9 to 20.4) in the FOLFIRINOX group versus 15.4 months (95% CI, 11.7 to 18.6) in the gemcitabine group, HR, 1.02 (95% CI, 0.73 to 1.43), P = .95.

CONCLUSION

Results confirm that FOLFIRINOX improves PFS significantly compared with gemcitabine and is well tolerated in LAPC. No significant difference in OS was observed between both groups.

The potential application of stroma modulation in targeting tumor cells: focus on pancreatic cancer and breast cancer models

The tumor microenvironment (TME) plays a crucial role in cancer development and spreading being considered as "the dark side of the tumor". Within this term tumor cells, immune components, supporting cells, extracellular matrix and a myriad of bioactive molecules that synergistically promote tumor development and therapeutic resistance, are included. Recent findings revealed the profound impacts of TME on cancer development, serving as physical support, critical mediator and biodynamic matrix in cancer evolution, immune modulation, and treatment outcomes. TME targeting strategies built on vasculature, immune checkpoints, and immuno-cell therapies, have paved the way for revolutionary clinical interventions. On this basis, the relevance of pre-clinical and clinical investigations has rapidly become fundamental for implementing novel therapeutical strategies breaking cell-cell and cell -mediators' interactions between TME components and tumor cells. This review summarizes the key players in the breast and pancreatic TME, elucidating the intricate interactions among cancer cells and their essential role for cancer progression and therapeutic resistance. Different tumors such breast and pancreatic cancer have both different and similar stroma features, that might affect therapeutic strategies. Therefore, this review aims to comprehensively evaluate recent findings for refining breast and pancreatic cancer therapies and improve patient prognoses by exploiting the TME's complexity in the next future.

Prediction of surgical resectability after FOLFIRINOX chemotherapy for borderline resectable and locally advanced pancreatic cancer (PeRFormanCe): a multicenter prospective trial - trial protocol

BACKGROUND

Neoadjuvant chemotherapy is used in borderline resectable (BR) and locally advanced (LA) pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) to increase resection rate and improve cancer outcome. However, there is a need for better prediction of resectability. The aim of this prospective, single arm study is to improve prediction of surgical resection by using radiomics and liquid biopsy.

METHODS

In this multicentric trial, 45 patients with BR or LA PADC will undergo neoadjuvant chemotherapy with FOLFIRINOX. An intention to treat analysis will be performed. The primary endpoint is the accuracy of the prediction of surgical resection. Secondary endpoints are overall survival and disease-free survival from the date of diagnosis, R0 and R1 resection rates, histopathological response, postoperative complications, patient reported outcomes with quality of life and health economic analysis. Translational research with multi-omics and radiomics based on computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging aims to identify factors predictive of surgical resectability and survival. The primary hypothesis is that these strategies can increase the accuracy of predicting surgical resection.

DISCUSSION

Improved prediction of resectability is necessary in BR and LA PDAC. We aim to investigate whether a combination of clinical, radiological, and multi-omics profiling in liquid biopsies can successfully predict resectability and thus optimize the therapeutic decision tree.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT05298722. Date of registration: March 28, 2022.

Computationally Enabled Polychromatic Polarized Imaging Enables Mapping of Matrix Architectures that Promote Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma Dissemination

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDA) is an extremely metastatic and lethal disease. In PDA, extracellular matrix (ECM) architectures, known as tumor-associated collagen signatures (TACSs), regulate invasion and metastatic spread in both early dissemination and late-stage disease. As such, TACS has been suggested as a biomarker to aid in pathologic assessment. However, despite its significance, approaches to quantitatively capture these ECM patterns currently require advanced optical systems with signaling processing analysis. Here, we present an expansion of polychromatic polarized microscopy (PPM) with inherent angular information coupled to machine learning and computational pixel-wise analysis of TACS. Using this platform, we are able to accurately capture TACS architectures in hematoxylin and eosin-stained histology sections directly through PPM contrast. Moreover, PPM facilitated identification of transitions to dissemination architectures (ie, transitions from sequestration through expansion to dissemination from both PanINs and throughout PDA). Last, PPM evaluation of architectures in liver metastases, the most common metastatic site for PDA, demonstrates TACS-mediated focal and local invasion as well as identification of unique patterns anchoring aligned fibers into normal-adjacent tumor, suggesting that these patterns may be precursors to metastasis expansion and local spread from micrometastatic lesions. Combined, these findings demonstrate that PPM coupled to computational platforms is a powerful tool for analyzing ECM architecture that can be used to advance cancer microenvironment studies and provide clinically relevant diagnostic information.

Long Non-Coding RNAs and RNA-Binding Proteins in Pancreatic Cancer Development and Progression

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is the most common type of pancreatic cancer and is responsible for about 467,000 cancer deaths annually. An oftentimes asymptomatic early phase of this disease results in a delayed diagnosis, and patients often present with advanced disease. Current treatment options have limited survival benefits, and only a minor patient population carries actionable genomic alterations. Hence, innovative personalized treatment strategies that consider molecular, cellular and functional analyses are urgently needed for pancreatic cancer patients. However, the majority of the genetic alterations found in PDAC are currently undruggable, or patients' response is not as expected. Therefore, non-genomic biomarkers and alternative molecular targets should be considered in order to advance the clinical management of PDAC patients. In line with this, recent gene expression and single-cell transcriptome analyses have identified molecular subtypes and transcriptional cell states that affect disease progression and drug efficiency. In this review, we will introduce long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) as well as RNA-binding proteins (RBPs) that are able to modulate the transcriptome of a cell through diverse mechanisms, thereby contributing to disease progression. We will provide a brief overview about the general functions of lncRNAs and RBPs, respectively. Subsequently, we will highlight selected lncRNAs and RBPs that have been shown to play a role in PDAC development, progression and drug response. Finally, we will present strategies aiming to interfere with the expression and function of lncRNAs and RBPs.

The Role of the Tumor Microenvironment in Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma: Recent Advancements and Emerging Therapeutic Strategies

Pancreatic cancer (PC), with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) comprising about 90% of all cases, is one of the most aggressive and lethal solid tumors. PDAC remains one of the most significant challenges of oncology to this day due to its inadequate response to conventional treatment, gradual rise in incidence since 2004, and poor five-year survival rates. As cancer cells are the primary adversary in this uneven fight, they remain the primary research target. Nevertheless, increasing attention is being paid to the tumor microenvironment (TME). The most crucial TME constellation components are immune cells, especially macrophages, stellate cells and lymphocytes, fibroblasts, bacterial and fungal microflora, and neuronal cells. Depending on the particular phenotype of these cells, the composition of the microenvironment, and the cell ratio, patients can experience different disease outcomes and varying vulnerability to treatment approaches. This study aims to present the current knowledge and review the most up-to-date scientific findings regarding the microenvironment of PC. It contains detailed information on the structure and cellular composition of the stroma, including its impact on disease development, metastasis, and response to treatment, as well as the therapeutic opportunities that arise from targeting this tissue.

The PancreasView gemcitabine transcriptomic signature predicts response to gemcitabine in patients with resected pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma

INTRODUCTION

In the current study, we aimed to assess the efficacy of a gemcitabine response predictive signature that is part of the PancreasView transcriptomic predictive tool (Gem + or Gem-).

METHODS

We used a cohort of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma patients treated from the Massachusetts General Hospital who underwent upfront resection.

RESULTS

In this cohort of 43 patients, 20 (46.5%) received adjuvant gemcitabine (GEM arm) and 23 (53.5%) did not receive any adjuvant chemotherapy. Among the 43 patients, the Gem signature defined a subgroup of 16 patients (37.2%) who were sensitive (Gem+) and 27 (62.8%), who were resistant to gemcitabine (Gem-). The Gem+ patients who received adjuvant gemcitabine had significantly better median disease-free survival (DFS) compared to the Gem- patients (NR until 72 months of follow-up vs 19.0 months; stratified hazard ratio [HR]: 0.19; 95% CI, 0.04-0.86; P = .032) and longer median cancer-specific survival (CSS) (NR until 96 months of follow-up vs 37.0 months; stratified HR: 0.18; 95% CI, 0.04-0.85; P = .030) when treated with gemcitabine. The gemcitabine signature remained an independent predictive factor for DFS (HR: 0.41; 95% CI, 0.19-0.89; P = .024) and CSS (HR: 0.47; 95% CI, 0.22-1.23; P = .059) after adjusting for clinicopathological characteristics in an unstratified univariate Cox hazard model.

CONCLUSIONS

This validation of the gemcitabine predictive transcriptomic signature in an independent cohort from Massachusetts General Hospital reinforces the robustness and reliability of this tool. This study highlights the potential of the signature to aid in the personalization of chemotherapy and enhance patient outcomes in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma.

Anatomically resectable versus biologically borderline resectable pancreatic cancer definition: refining the border beyond anatomical criteria and biological aggressiveness

BACKGROUND

The anatomically resectable pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma treatment sequence is still debated. Heterogeneity in patient characteristics within this group may explain literature discrepancies. To overcome these limits, a biologically borderline resectable pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma category has been analysed according to institutional criteria. The aim of this study was to examine the characteristics and outcomes of patients with biologically borderline resectable pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma and determine whether they represent a distinct clinical and prognostic subgroup.

METHODS

Data from all consecutive patients who underwent surgical resection for pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma between 2015 and 2022 were retrospectively analysed. Biologically borderline resectable disease was classified by the presence of one or more of the following: carbohydrate antigen 19-9 ≥200 U/ml, cancer-related symptoms lasting >40 days, and radiological suspicion of regional lymph node metastases at diagnosis.

RESULTS

In total, 886 patients were included in the study and divided into anatomically borderline resectable (266 patients (30%)) and anatomically resectable (620 patients (70%)), which was further divided into resectable (R; 397 patients (64%)) and biologically borderline resectable (223 patients (36%)). Neoadjuvant treatment was administered in 245 patients (92.1%) in the anatomically borderline resectable group, 82 patients (20.7%) in the R group, and 135 patients (60.5%) in the biologically borderline resectable group. After a median follow-up of 45 (95% c.i. 42 to 48) months, the median disease-specific survival in the biologically borderline resectable group was 40 months compared with 59 months in the R group (P < 0.001) and 40 months in the anatomically borderline resectable group (P = 0.570). In the upfront surgery cohort, the median disease-specific survival was worse for biologically borderline resectable patients compared with R patients (27 versus 54 months respectively, P < 0.001). Biologically borderline resectable was also independently associated with worse disease-specific survival, together with age, tumour size at diagnosis, and anatomically borderline resectable. The same, except for age, were also predictors of worse event-free survival.

CONCLUSION

Despite their identical anatomical appearance, resectable and biologically borderline resectable pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma represent two distinct prognostic entities, warranting separate evaluation and, potentially, different treatment approaches.

Survival after neoadjuvant and induction FOLFIRINOX versus gemcitabine-nab-paclitaxel in patients with resected localised pancreatic adenocarcinoma: an international multicentre study

BACKGROUND

It remains unclear whether there is a difference in overall survival (OS) benefit between (m)FOLFIRINOX and gemcitabine-nab-paclitaxel as preoperative regimens for localised pancreatic adenocarcinoma. This study aimed to investigate the outcome of patients with resected localised pancreatic adenocarcinoma following (m)FOLFIRINOX versus gemcitabine-nab-paclitaxel.

METHODS

International multicentre retrospective study (16 centres, 8 countries, 3 continents), including consecutive patients after pancreatic resection for localised pancreatic adenocarcinoma following 2-6 months preoperative (m)FOLFIRINOX or gemcitabine-nab-paclitaxel (2010-2018). Primary endpoint was OS from start of preoperative chemotherapy. Cox regression analysis was performed to investigate the association of the preoperative chemotherapy regimen with OS, adjusted for confounders at diagnosis.

RESULTS

Overall, 935 patients were included after resection of localised pancreatic adenocarcinoma following preoperative (m)FOLFIRINOX (65%) or gemcitabine-nab-paclitaxel (35%). Preoperative chemotherapy regimen (m)FOLFIRINOX was not associated with OS (HR = 0.83 [95% CI 0.64-1.08]), compared to gemcitabine-nab-paclitaxel. Interaction analysis showed stronger effect of (m)FOLFIRINOX in patients with a lower (i.e., non-elevated/marginally elevated) serum CA19-9 at diagnosis (pinteraction = 0.032).

CONCLUSION

This international study found no OS benefit of preoperative (m)FOLFIRINOX in patients with resected localised pancreatic adenocarcinoma compared to gemcitabine-nab-paclitaxel.

Adjuvant chemotherapy compared to observation in resected biliary tract cancers: Survival meta-analysis of phase-III randomized controlled trials

BACKGROUND

A limited number of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) investigated adjuvant chemotherapy in biliary tract cancers (BTCs). Recurrences and deaths are common in the first 2 years and survival remains poor despite adjuvant treatment.

METHODS

Phase-III RCTs were included comparing adjuvant chemotherapy and observation in resected BTCs. The primary endpoints were recurrence-free (RFS) and overall survival (OS). Proportional hazard results were used for trial-based analyses. Patient data was curated from published Kaplan-Meier curves to analyze short-term (2-year) hazards. The Parmar and generic inverse variance methods were used.

RESULTS

1308 patients in 4 trials (BILCAP, ASCOT, BCAT, PRODIGE-12) were included. Capecitabine (BILCAP) and S-1 (ASCOT) were grouped as 5-FU-based, gemcitabine (BCAT) and gemcitabine-oxaliplatin (PRODIGE-12) were grouped as gemcitabine-based chemotherapy. Adjuvant 5FU-based chemotherapy improved RFS [HR: 0.80 (95 % CI:0.68-0.95), p = 0.012] and OS [HR: 0.78 (95 % CI:0.65-0.94), p = 0.009]. However, gemcitabine-based chemotherapy did not provide benefit in RFS [HR: 0.90 (95 % CI:0.70-1.15), p = 0.428] and OS [HR: 1.03 (95 % CI:0.78-1.36), p = 0.794]. The benefit of 5-FU-based chemotherapy was more apparent in the short-term (2-year hazards) (RFS: [HR: 0.67 (95 %CI:57-0.79), p < 0.001] and OS: [HR: 0.61 (95 % CI:59-0.64), p < 0.001]). However, gemcitabine-based chemotherapy did not provide RFS benefit in the short term either [HR: 0.80 (95 % CI:0.64-0.1.01), p = 0.067] and seemed to be even detrimental for OS [HR: 1.22 (95 % CI:1.14-1.31), p < 0.001] in the first 2 years.

CONCLUSION

This study confirms using 5FU-based monotherapy in the adjuvant treatment of resected BTCs. The more prominent benefit in the first 2 years emphasizes that more effective adjuvant treatments with sustained long-term benefits are needed. Two-year proportional hazards OS and RFS are proposed here as an additional secondary end-point to consider in future clinical trials. in this setting. Registration ID (PROSPERO): CRD42024614444.

Patterns of disease dissemination and survival in patients with synchronous and metachronous metastatic pancreatic adenocarcinoma: Nationwide population-based study

AIM

Despite advances in understanding pancreatic adenocarcinoma, evidence on its metastatic patterns and impact on patient survival remains limited. This study aims to identify patterns of disease dissemination in synchronous versus metachronous metastatic pancreatic adenocarcinoma (mPAC) and their association with overall survival (OS).

METHODS

Patients diagnosed with synchronous- or metachronous-mPAC were selected from the Netherlands Cancer Registry (2015-2021). Patient, tumor, and treatment characteristics were compared using Chi-squared tests. Survival data, calculated from detection of metastatic disease (OS-M), were analyzed using Kaplan-Meier and Log-rank tests.

RESULTS

Overall, 10,788 patients with synchronous- and 508 with metachronous-mPAC were included. Median time to first metastasis in metachronous-mPAC was 13.2 months (IQR 9-23), varying significantly by metastatic site (liver-only 11.5; lung-only 28.0 months). Compared to synchronous-mPAC, patients with metachronous-mPAC had less liver metastases (48 % versus 75 %, p < 0.001), but more lung (29 % versus 21 %, p < 0.001) and peritoneal (35 % versus 25 %, p < 0.001) metastases. Synchronous metastases to liver-only, lung-only, lymph node-only, or multiple sites at first diagnosis had a median OS-M that was (nearly) half compared to metachronous metastases to the same sites. Bone-only or peritoneum-only metastases in synchronous-mPAC showed a median OS-M comparable to metachronous-mPAC.

CONCLUSION

This nationwide population-based study reveals that metachronous-mPAC less commonly presents with liver metastases and more often metastasizes to lung, peritoneum or other atypical sites compared to synchronous-mPAC. These distinct metastatic patterns and their differences in survival may help enhance the prognostic estimation for individual patients from the detection of metastatic disease and warrants further research into the biology underlying metastasis development.

Targeting BARD1 suppresses a Myc-dependent transcriptional program and tumor growth in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) remains one of the deadliest cancers demanding better and more effective therapies. BARD1 or BRCA1-Associated -Ring Domain-1 plays a pivotal role in homologous recombination repair (HRR). However, its function and the underlying molecular mechanisms in PDAC are still not fully elucidated. Here, we demonstrate that BARD1 is overexpressed in PDAC and its genetic inhibition suppresses c-Myc and disrupts c-Myc dependent transcriptional program. Mechanistically, BARD1 stabilizes c-Myc through ubiquitin-proteasome system by regulating FBXW7. Importantly, targeting BARD1 using either siRNAs or CRISPR/Cas9 deletion blocks PDAC growth in vitro and in vivo, without any signs of toxicity to mice. Using a focused drug library of 477 DNA damage response compounds, we also found that BARD1 inhibition enhances therapeutic efficacy of several clinically relevant agents (fold changes ≥4), including PARPi, in HRR proficient PDAC cells. These data uncover BARD1 as an attractive therapeutic target for HRR proficient PDAC.

Survival scenarios of patients with localized and metastatic pancreatic adenocarcinoma: A population-based study

Pancreatic adenocarcinoma (PAC) is notorious for its poor survival. The provision of survival scenarios-that is, best-case, typical and worst-case scenarios-could prove valuable to patients and clinicians. This study investigated survival scenarios and how these have changed over a period of 16 years for patients with PAC. Data from the Netherlands Cancer Registry were used to identify patients with localized and metastatic PAC (2005-2021). Survival scenarios, including best-case, upper-typical, typical (median), lower-typical, and worst-case, were estimated based on survival curve percentiles (p10, p25, p50, p75, and p90). Annual differences were assessed for significance using weighted linear regression analyses. Factors associated with these scenarios were identified through univariable tests. Overall, 14,622 patients with localized and 20,199 with metastatic PAC were included. For patients with localized PAC, the best, upper-typical and typical survival scenarios improved statistically significant with average annual improvement of 1.54 (95%CI: 1.2-1.88), 0.67 (0.56-0.78), and 0.24 (0.19-0.29) months, respectively. For patients with metastatic PAC the best and upper-typical survival scenarios increased statically significantly with annual improvement of 0.28 (0.21-0.34) and 0.06 (0.02-0.09) months, respectively. The best-case and upper-typical scenarios were associated with younger patients, more aggressive disease-focused treatments, fewer comorbidities, and better overall performance status. Over the past 16 years, survival improvements in patients with PAC have been most notable in these scenarios. Although the absolute gains were modest, these results offer encouraging potential for advancements in life-prolonging care for this type of cancer.

Clinical efficacy and chemoresistance analysis of precision neoadjuvant chemotherapy for borderline resectable pancreatic cancer: a prospective, single-arm pilot study

BACKGROUND

Neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) can improve the survival outcomes of patients with pancreatic cancer, but for borderline resectable pancreatic cancer (BRPC) the proportion of conversion to surgery remains unsatisfactory. This single-arm pilot study aimed to assess the clinical efficacy and safety of NAC based on patient-derived organoids (PDOs) for BRPC.

METHODS

Biopsy samples from BRPC patients were collected for generating PDOs. Gemcitabine plus nab-paclitaxel as NAC was initially administrated for one cycle, and then the treatment regimen was adjusted based on the PDO drug sensitivity testing. The primary endpoint was the objective response rate (ORR). Secondary endpoints included R0 resection rate, NAC-related adverse events (AEs), and postoperative complications. Exploratory objectives were to assess the chemoresistance to gemcitabine.

RESULTS

Totally 19 of 25 patients were eligible for the study, among whom 16 achieved partial response and received surgical resection, with the ORR of 84.2% (16/19). The R0 resection rate was 81.3% (13/16). During NAC, 8 (42.1%, 8/19) patients experienced different grades of AEs, mainly including grade 2 myelosuppression (26.3%), cutaneous pruritus (5.3%), and diarrhea (5.3%). scRNA-seq analysis of duct cells showed that the transcriptome in aneuploid cells may affect gemcitabine resistance via multiple pathways, among which upregulation of drug-resistant genes ( OLFM4, AGR2, MUC5AC, MUC1, HMGA1, REG4, IL17RB, GCNT3, AKR1B10, ITGA6, HMGCS2 , and SQLE ) and downregulation of sensitive genes ( SIK1, HEXIM1, SPINT2, GADD45 , and TIMP2 ) played crucial roles. Changes in the interactions between cancer cells and other cell groups may also involve in gemcitabine resistance.

CONCLUSION

PDO-based NAC shows a promising resectable rate in BRPC patients, with good tolerance. Potential drug-resistant and sensitive genes and cell-cell interaction changes may participate in the development of gemcitabine resistance.

Stage IV pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) with synchronous liver metastasis: are there survival benefits in liver resection? A systematic review and meta-analysis

OBJECTIVE

Metastatic PDAC has a very poor prognosis, and surgery has a limited role. The study aims to evaluate the OS of patients with PDAC and synchronous liver metastasis who undergo surgical therapy (ST) versus non-surgical therapies (NST).

METHODS

We performed a random effects meta-analysis. Inclusion criteria were: PDAC histology; studies reporting technically resectable cases with liver metastasis and survival data; absence of extra-hepatic disease. The primary endpoint was to evaluate OS. Results were reported as HR and 95 % CI. We performed a meta-regression analysis to identify factors influencing heterogeneity. We analyzed key covariates in order to predict how changes in these factors affect HR.

RESULTS

Six studies were included. The OS was significantly better in group ST than NST, with HR = 0.41 (95 % CI: 0.32-0.52). Heterogeneity was high (I2 = 64.50 %). As the rate of patients who underwent postoperative CT in the ST group decreased, the difference between the two groups decreased (β = -1.28 ± 0.67; p = 0.003), with almost 87.10 % heterogeneity. The adjusted effect based on meta-regression showed an improved OS in ST group only when both pre- and post-operative systemic CT were administrated (HR 0.18, 95 % CI: 0.08-0.40).

CONCLUSIONS

In highly selected patients with metastatic PDAC who respond to systemic CT and receive post-operative systemic CT, ST could be associated with improved OS. However, the high heterogeneity and retrospective design of included studies limit the ability to draw definitive conclusions.

Cystatin A promotes the antitumor activity of T helper type 1 cells and dendritic cells in murine models of pancreatic cancer

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is a disease with poor prognosis due to diagnostic and therapeutic limitations. We previously identified cystatin A (CSTA) as a PDAC biomarker and have conducted the present study to investigate the antitumor effects of CSTA. PDAC murine models were established with genetically modified PAN02 tumor cell lines to evaluate the antitumor immune response. PDAC mouse survival was significantly longer with CSTA, and its antitumor effect was mediated mainly by CD4+ cells and partly by CD8+ cells. We also observed an increased infiltration of CD4+ and CD8+ cells in tumors of mice overexpressing CSTA. Phenotypically, we confirmed higher T helper type 1 (Th1) cell activity and increased frequency and activity of M1 macrophages and dendritic cells (DCs) in CSTA-overexpressing mice. Gene expression analysis highlighted pathways related to interferon gamma (IFN-γ) induction and Th1 lymphocyte activation that were induced by CSTA. Macrophages and DCs shifted toward proinflammatory antitumor phenotypes. Furthermore, activated splenocytes of PDAC model mice expressing CSTA had increased proapoptotic activity. CSTA also promoted the selective migration of CD4+ and CD11c+ immune cells in an in vitro migration assay. In conclusion, CSTA exerts antitumor effects by enhancing Th1-mediated antitumor effects through promotion of DC and M1 macrophage activity, thereby increasing immune cell chemotaxis. CSTA could be a novel therapeutic candidate for PDAC.

The impact of neoadjuvant therapy in patients with left-sided resectable pancreatic cancer: an international multicenter study

BACKGROUND

Left-sided pancreatic cancer is associated with worse overall survival (OS) compared with right-sided pancreatic cancer. Although neoadjuvant therapy is currently seen as not effective in patients with resectable pancreatic cancer (RPC), current randomized trials included mostly patients with right-sided RPC. The purpose of this study was to assess the association between neoadjuvant therapy and OS in patients with left-sided RPC compared with upfront surgery.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

This was an international multicenter retrospective study including consecutive patients after left-sided pancreatic resection for pathology-proven RPC, either after neoadjuvant therapy or upfront surgery in 76 centers from 18 countries on 4 continents (2013-2019). The primary endpoint was OS from diagnosis. Time-dependent Cox regression analysis was carried out to investigate the association of neoadjuvant therapy with OS, adjusting for confounders at the time of diagnosis. Adjusted OS probabilities were calculated.

RESULTS

Overall, 2282 patients after left-sided pancreatic resection for RPC were included of whom 290 patients (13%) received neoadjuvant therapy. The most common neoadjuvant regimens were (m)FOLFIRINOX (38%) and gemcitabine-nab-paclitaxel (22%). After upfront surgery, 72% of patients received adjuvant chemotherapy, mostly a single-agent regimen (74%). Neoadjuvant therapy was associated with prolonged OS compared with upfront surgery (adjusted hazard ratio 0.69, 95% confidence interval 0.58-0.83) with an adjusted median OS of 53 versus 37 months (P = 0.0003) and adjusted 5-year OS rates of 47% versus 35% (P = 0.0001) compared with upfront surgery. Interaction analysis demonstrated a stronger effect of neoadjuvant therapy in patients with a larger tumor (Pinteraction = 0.003) and higher serum carbohydrate antigen 19-9 (CA19-9; Pinteraction = 0.005). In contrast, the effect of neoadjuvant therapy was not enhanced for splenic artery (Pinteraction = 0.43), splenic vein (Pinteraction = 0.30), retroperitoneal (Pinteraction = 0.84), and multivisceral (Pinteraction = 0.96) involvement.

CONCLUSIONS

Neoadjuvant therapy in patients with left-sided RPC was associated with improved OS compared with upfront surgery. The impact of neoadjuvant therapy increased with larger tumor size and higher serum CA19-9 at diagnosis. Randomized controlled trials on neoadjuvant therapy specifically in patients with left-sided RPC are needed.

Multimodal Therapy May be Key to Improving Survival for Octogenarians Undergoing Pancreaticoduodenectomy for Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma: An American Multicenter Analysis

BACKGROUND

As the population ages, the number of octogenarians with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) continues to rise. Morbidity and mortality following pancreatectomy have improved owing to safer surgery and better chemoradiation regimens. This study compares the outcomes and multimodality utilization in octogenarians (≥80 years) who underwent pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD) for PDAC, with a younger cohort.

METHODS

This is a multi-institutional retrospective review from 2007 to 2023 of patients who underwent PD for PDAC. Preoperative, perioperative, and oncologic outcomes were analyzed, and multivariable analysis (MVA) was performed.

RESULTS

A total of 1,051 patients underwent PD for PDAC ( ≥ 80 = 125, < 80 = 926). Octogenarians had a higher age unadjusted Charlson Comorbidity Index (p = 0.0146) and were more likely to have prior abdominal surgery (p = 0.0019). Patients <80 years received chemotherapy (p < 0.0001) or radiation (p < 0.0001), including neoadjuvant chemotherapy (p < 0.0001), more frequently than octogenarians, who more commonly underwent upfront surgery (p < 0.0001). There were no significant differences in complications. Octogenarians had a higher 90 day mortality rate (7.2% versus 3.5%, p = 0.0424); however, this was not significant on MVA. The <80 cohort had longer overall survival (OS) (p = 0.0004). Receiving any chemotherapy was associated with longer OS (hazard ratio [HR] 0.59 [0.46-0.75], p < 0.0001). In survival analysis of octogenarians only, receiving multimodal therapy significantly prolonged OS compared with surgery alone (p = 0.0349).

CONCLUSIONS

Octogenarian status does not increase morbidity or mortality but is associated with decreased survival in PDAC patients undergoing PD. Chemotherapy had a protective effect on OS; however, octogenarians received less multimodal therapy compared with the younger cohort.

Impact of Structured Postoperative Surveillance on Survival in Patients with Resected Pancreatic Adenocarcinoma

BACKGROUND

This study aimed to investigate whether structured surveillance after resection of PDAC has an impact on survival.

METHODS

206 patients who underwent PDAC resection at the University Hospital Erlangen between 2005 and 2020 and survived for at least 90 days postoperatively were included in this retrospective study. The impact of surveillance (structured vs. no structured surveillance) respectively of recurrence patterns (recurrence in follow-up vs. symptomatic recurrence) on overall and disease-free survival was investigated.

RESULTS

A total of 157 patients (76%) participated in a structured surveillance program after pancreatic resection. During a mean follow-up of 28.5 months, 137 patients (67%) developed recurrence. Patients with structured surveillance showed significantly better outcomes for overall survival after surgery (OSaS: 29.2 months with structured surveillance vs. 16.4 months without, p < 0.001), overall survival after recurrence (OSaR: 10.8 months vs. 3.6 months, p < 0.001), and disease-free survival (DFS: 14.8 months vs. 11.4 months, p = 0.010). In a subgroup analysis of 112 patients with recurrence, survival benefits were observed for those whose recurrence was detected during follow-up compared to those with symptomatic recurrence (OSaS: 24.8 months in the follow-up group vs. 17.2 months in the symptomatic group, p < 0.001; OSaR: 12.6 months vs. 6.5 months, p < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

This study provides evidence that structured surveillance after PDAC resection is beneficial for both overall and disease-free survival. However, randomized studies are needed to confirm the positive impact of structured surveillance programs on survival after pancreatic resection.

Conditions for effective use of liposomal irinotecan with fluorouracil and leucovorin in unresectable pancreatic cancer after FOLFIRINOX treatment

BACKGROUND

Liposomal irinotecan + fluorouracil/leucovorin (nal-IRI + 5FU/LV) is commonly used as a second- or later-line treatment for pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) and offers survival benefits. However, its efficacy and safety in patients previously treated with FOLFIRINOX, which includes irinotecan, remain unclear. We evaluated the efficacy and safety of nal-IRI + 5FU/LV in patients with unresectable PDAC who received previous FOLFIRINOX therapy and those who did not.

METHODS

This retrospective observational study included 42 patients with PDAC who were treated with nal-IRI + 5FU/LV (October 2020-November 2023). Patients were grouped based on prior FOLFIRINOX treatment.

RESULTS

The progression-free survival (PFS) in patients who previously received modified FOLFIRINOX (mFFX) therapy was shorter than that in patients who did not (2.5 vs. 3.5 months, P = 0.07). When patients with greater than- and less than the cut-off value of irinotecan-free interval (IFI) were classified into the long and short IFI groups, respectively, PFS was significantly longer in the long-IFI group than that in the short IFI group (4.0 vs. 2.1 months, P = 0.01). Moreover, the C-reactive protein/albumin ratio (CAR) was also a significant predictor of PFS (P = 0.03). Furthermore, both factors were found to be independent factors influencing PFS in the univariate Cox regression analysis (P = 0.02 and P = 0.04).

CONCLUSION

Nal-IRI + 5FU/LV therapy may be a safe and effective option as a second- or later-line treatment, particularly for patients who have not previously received mFFX therapy. For patients who received prior mFFX exposure, a longer IFI and lower CAR may indicate greater potential benefit, thus aiding in more personalized treatment approaches.

Drug Resistance Analysis of Pancreatic Cancer Based on Universally Differentially Expressed Genes

The high heterogeneity between patients can complicate the diagnosis and treatment of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). Here, we explored the association of universally differentially expressed genes (UDEGs) with resistance to chemotherapy and immunotherapy in the context of pancreatic cancer. In this work, sixteen up-regulated and three down-regulated genes that were dysregulated in more than 85% of 102 paired and 5% of 521 unpaired PDAC samples were identified and defined as UDEGs. A single-cell level analysis further validated the high expression levels of the up-UDEGs and the low levels of the down-UDEGs in cancer-related ductal cells, which could represent the malignant changes seen in pancreatic cancer. Based on a drug sensitivity analysis, we found that ANLN, GPRC5A and SERPINB5 are closely related to the resistance mechanism of PDAC, and their high expression predicted worse survival for PDAC patients. This suggests that targeting these genes could be a potential way to reduce drug resistance and improve survival. Based on the immune infiltration analysis, the abnormal expression of the UDEGs was found to be related to the formation of an immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment. In conclusion, these UDEGs are common features of PDAC and could be involved in the resistance of pancreatic cancer and might serve as novel drug targets to guide research into drug repurposing.

Machine learning-based prognostic modelling of NK cells in PAAD for immunotherapy guidance

Pancreatic cancer's high incidence and mortality rates are underscored by ineffective treatments, particularly immunotherapy's poor performance. This could stem from an unclear immune microenvironment, where NK cells may play a unique role. Analyzing the NK cell-differentially expressed genes (NKDEGs) from the PAAD_GSE162708 single-cell dataset and utilizing the TCGA-PAAD and ICGC-PACA-AU datasets, we identified 11 NKDEGs linked to pancreatic adenocarcinoma (PAAD) prognosis and developed a prognostic model. This model's risk scores significantly outperformed traditional grading and TNM staging systems, validated through clinical and pathological analyses. Functional enrichment analysis pointed to the Neuroactive ligand-receptor interaction and MAPK signaling pathways, suggesting NK cells' distinctive role in PAAD. High-risk groups showed decreased overall NK cells but increased activated NK cells, which may mediate adverse inflammatory responses. NK cells exhibit synergistic interactions with plasma cells and macrophages and negative regulation by monocytes and naive B cells. Our model accurately predicts immunotherapy responses, indicating potential for targeted drugs to enhance treatment. Additionally, we introduced an NKDEGs-based immunotyping approach for personalized medicine and clinical decision-making in PAAD. This study emphasizes NK cells' potential in PAAD treatment, offering precise patient stratification and therapeutic targets for immunotherapy.

Portal venous circulating tumor cells as a biomarker for relapse prediction in resected pancreatic cancer

BACKGROUND

Pancreatic cancer is an aggressive disease with poor prognosis. The only potentially curative treatment option is surgical resection, however recurrence is common. Biomarkers to detect minimal residual disease, assist with risk stratification, relapse and real time monitoring, are required. Circulating tumor cells (CTCs) are a promising liquid biopsy biomarker for solid tumors. However, their role in monitoring minimal residual disease in pancreatic cancer remains to be determined. Our study aimed to investigate whether detection and enumeration of CTCs could predict recurrence and provide monitoring of disease status.

METHOD

Participants planned for Whipple procedure or partial pancreatectomy were enrolled in this prospective pilot study. Intraoperatively, 7.5 mL of portal and peripheral venous blood were collected, and peripheral venous blood was also collected post-surgery. CTC identification and enumeration were performed using the AccuCyte-CyteFinder platform and CellSieve microfiltration.

RESULTS

Of 29 participants, 20 were confirmed to have epithelial cancer by histopathology, where 15 had pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma. In those with epithelial cancer, CTCs were detected intraoperatively in 75% of portal venous blood samples, in contrast to 40% detected in peripheral venous blood (median: 6 and 0 per 7.5mL respectively). Only portal venous CTC detection was predictive of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma relapse. The positive (> 5) portal venous CTC group had a 6.67 times higher risk of recurring (odds ratio = 20.43, sensitivity = 1.00, specificity = 0.625). Detection of peripheral venous CTCs post-surgery was also correlated with relapse in a small subset of patients.

CONCLUSIONS

If validated, CTCs may provide a prognostic and monitoring biomarker in patients with pancreatic cancer undergoing surgery.

Prognostic significance of serum MUC5AC in resected pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma: initial insights

Background

We investigated the association between serum MUC5AC (sMUC5AC) levels and patient outcomes in individuals who underwent resection for pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDA), including those treated with neoadjuvant therapy (NAT) and those who had upfront surgery (UpS) followed by adjuvant therapy.

Methods

Serum samples from the Ohio State University biorepository collected from January 2010 to June 2021 were utilized. The human MUC5AC kit (NBP2-76703) was used to perform enzyme-linked immunoassays to measure sMUC5AC levels. Logistic regression, Cox regression models (univariate and multivariate), recurrence prediction, analysis of variance (ANOVA), t-tests, and Wilcoxon tests were used for statistical analysis.

Results

In the NAT cohort (n = 23), elevated sMUC5AC levels were significantly (P < 0.05) associated with pathological treatment response, margin positivity, and residual disease. Among 21 patients who had an R0/R1 resection (R2 resection, n=2), higher sMUC5AC levels were associated with shorter progression-free survival (PFS) (HR: 1.64, P = 0.0006) and overall survival (OS) (HR: 1.6, P = 0.005) on univariate analysis. Multivariate models confirmed sMUC5AC as an independent predictor of PFS and OS alongside pathological differentiation and postoperative therapy. Patients with lower sMUC5AC levels had more favorable pathological characteristics, better treatment responses, and improved survival outcomes. These findings were consistent in the FOLFIRINOX subgroup (n = 17). In the UpS cohort (n = 17), post-resection sMUC5AC levels tend to be associated with PFS (P = 0.07) and OS (P = 0.05). Combining sMUC5AC with Carbohydrate antigen (CA) 19-9 enhanced sensitivity (79%) and specificity (67%) to predict recurrence. Higher sMUC5AC levels were associated with earlier recurrence and poor survival outcomes, highlighting its utility in post-surgery risk stratification. Among patients with pre-treatment data (n = 11), sMUC5AC levels were significantly higher among patients with poorly differentiated tumors.

Conclusion

This study provides compelling evidence for the clinical utility of sMUC5AC as a prognostic biomarker among patients with resected PDA. Future large-scale studies are needed to validate these findings and establish standard thresholds for sMUC5AC integration into clinical practice.

Pancreatic cancer

Pancreatic cancer is frequently a lethal disease with an aggressive tumour biology often presenting with non-specific symptoms. Median survival is approximately 4 months with a 5-year survival of 13%. Surveillance is recommended in individuals with familial pancreatic cancer, specific mutations, and high-risk intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm, as they are at high risk of developing pancreatic cancer. Chemotherapy combined with surgical resection remains the cornerstone of treatment. However, only a small subset of patients are candidates for surgery. Multi-agent chemotherapy has improved survival in the palliative setting for patients with metastatic disease, as (neo)adjuvant and induction therapy have in patients with borderline resectable and locally advanced pancreatic. Given that pancreatic cancer is predicted to become the second leading cause of cancer-related death by 2030, novel therapies are urgently needed.

Neoadjuvant FOLF(IRIN)OX Chemotherapy for Resectable Pancreatic Adenocarcinoma: A Multicenter Randomized Noncomparative Phase II Trial (PANACHE01 FRENCH08 PRODIGE48 study)

PURPOSE

Despite limited RCTs, neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) shows promise for resectable pancreatic adenocarcinoma (rPAC). Few prospective results are available on completing the full therapeutic sequence and oncologic outcomes with NAC.

METHODS

The PANACHE01-PRODIGE48 phase II trial randomly assigned 153 patients with rPAC (2:2:1) to four cycles of NAC (modified leucovorin, fluorouracil, irinotecan, and oxaliplatin [mFOLFIRINOX], arm 1; leucovorin, fluorouracil, and oxaliplatin [FOLFOX], arm 2) or up-front surgery (control) across 28 French centers (February 2017-July 2020). The primary objective was to evaluate the feasibility and efficacy of these NAC regimens. Two binary primary end points included 1-year overall survival (OS) postrandomization and the rate of patients completing the full therapeutic sequence. Event-free survival (EFS) assessed time to failure, defined as progression before surgery, unresectable/metastatic disease at surgery, recurrence, or death.

RESULTS

The primary objective was achieved for arm 1. In the intention-to-treat population, 70.8% (90% CI, 60.8 to 79.6) and 68% (90% CI, 55.5 to 78.8) completed the therapeutic sequence in arm 1 and arm 2, respectively. Within 12 months postrandomization, 84.3% (90% CI, 75.3 to 90.9) and 71.4% (90% CI, 59.0 to 81.8) of the patients were alive in arm 1 and arm 2, respectively. Treatment was safe and well-tolerated in both NAC arms. Arm 2 was stopped after interim analysis for lack of efficacy (H0 rejection for 1-year OS). One-year EFS rates were 51.4% (95% CI, 41.0 to 64.3), 43.1% (95% CI, 31.3 to 59.5), and 38.7% (95% CI, 24.1 to 62.0) in arm 1, arm 2, and control arm, respectively.

CONCLUSION

The feasibility and efficacy of mFOLFIRINOX in the perioperative setting are confirmed concerning therapeutic sequence completion and oncologic outcomes, supporting ongoing trials (PREOPANC3, Alliance AO21806). Further research is needed to identify patients who benefit from NAC (ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT02959879; EudraCT: 2015-001851-65).

Unlocking the Genetic Secrets of Pancreatic Cancer: KRAS Allelic Imbalances in Tumor Evolution

Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma (PDAC) belongs to the types of cancer with the highest lethality. It is also remarkably chemoresistant to the few available cytotoxic therapeutic options. PDAC is characterized by limited mutational heterogeneity of the known driver genes, KRAS, CDKN2A, TP53, and SMAD4, observed in both early-stage and advanced tumors. In this review, we summarize the two proposed models of genetic evolution of pancreatic cancer. The gradual or stepwise accumulated mutations model has been widely studied. On the contrary, less evidence exists on the more recent simultaneous model, according to which rapid tumor evolution is driven by the concurrent accumulation of genetic alterations. In both models, oncogenic KRAS mutations are the main initiating event. Here, we analyze the emerging topic of KRAS allelic imbalances and how it arises during tumor evolution, as it is often detected in advanced and metastatic PDAC. We also summarize recent evidence on how it affects tumor biology, metastasis, and response to therapy. To this extent, we highlight the necessity to include studies of KRAS allelic frequencies in the design of future therapeutic strategies against pancreatic cancer.

Pancreatic Cancer: Pathogenesis and Clinical Studies

Pancreatic cancer (PC) is a highly lethal malignancy, with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) being the most common and aggressive subtype, characterized by late diagnosis, aggressive progression, and resistance to conventional therapies. Despite advances in understanding its pathogenesis, including the identification of common genetic mutations (e.g., KRAS, TP53, CDKN2A, SMAD4) and dysregulated signaling pathways (e.g., KRAS-MAPK, PI3K-AKT, and TGF-β pathways), effective therapeutic strategies remain limited. Current treatment modalities including chemotherapy, targeted therapy, immunotherapy, radiotherapy, and emerging therapies such as antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs), chimeric antigen receptor T (CAR-T) cells, oncolytic viruses (OVs), cancer vaccines, and bispecific antibodies (BsAbs), face significant challenges. This review comprehensively summarizes these treatment approaches, emphasizing their mechanisms, limitations, and potential solutions, to overcome these bottlenecks. By integrating recent advancements and outlining critical challenges, this review aims to provide insights into future directions and guide the development of more effective treatment strategies for PC, with a specific focus on PDAC. Our work underscores the urgency of addressing the unmet needs in PDAC therapy and highlights promising areas for innovation in this field.

Molecular Alterations Influencing the Prognostic Outcome in Small Pancreatic Cancer (≤2 cm)

PURPOSE

Pancreatic cancer (PC) is the most lethal cancer. The prognosis of small PC (tumor ≤ 20 mm) is better than that of larger PC, indicating the importance of detecting early-stage PC for patient outcome. The aim of this study was to elucidate the molecular features in small PC (≤20 mm).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This study included 79 PC tumors (≤20 mm in pathological examination) resected between 2004 and 2022. c-Myc, Caveolin-1, Smad4, and Thrombospondin-1 were examined by immunostaining. These molecular alterations were compared in PC patients with tumor size ≤ 10 mm (n = 11) (14%) and 10 mm < tumor size ≤ 20 mm (n = 68) (86%). Mutation analyses of KRAS, PIK3CA, and BRAF were performed by pyrosequencing in 22 PCs.

RESULTS

PC with 10 mm < tumor size ≤ 20 mm showed significantly worse overall survival and disease-free survival than PC with tumor size < 10 mm (P = 0.024 and P = 0.028). Tumor c-Myc and stromal Caveolin-1 expressions were significantly increased in tumors larger than 10 mm (P = 0.02 and P = 0.04). c-Myc and Caveolin-1 expressions were associated with poor disease-free survival and overall survival. KRAS, PIK3CA, and BRAF mutation status did not differ between the 2 groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Tumor c-Myc and stromal Caveolin-1 overexpressions were detected in tumors larger than 10 mm. Their overexpressions were associated with worse prognosis even in small PC. These molecular alterations in small PC may be a clue for the detection of early-stage PC.

Chemo- and Radiotherapy of Gastrointestinal Tumors during Pregnancy

Background

Gastrointestinal cancers account for approximately one-fourth of all cancer cases and one-third of all tumor-related deaths worldwide. For the most frequent gastrointestinal tumor entities including colorectal, gastric, esophageal, and liver cancer, the incidence is expected to increase by more than 50% until 2040. While most gastrointestinal cancers are diagnosed beyond the age of fertility and predominantly in men, the increasing incidence of gastrointestinal malignancies in patients below the age of fifty suggests a growing importance in women of childbearing age. While localized cancers in pregnant women can either be monitored or treated surgically, more advanced stages might require radio- or chemotherapy to control tumor growth until delivery. Under these circumstances, critical decisions have to be made to preserve maternal health on the one side and minimize harm to the infant on the other side.

Summary

Here we summarize data from case reports, meta-analyses, and registries of women undergoing radio- or chemotherapy during pregnancy and provide guidance for therapeutic decision-making in pregnant women suffering from gastrointestinal cancers.

Key Message

After the first trimester, most chemotherapeutic regimens can be safely administered to pregnant patients with gastrointestinal cancers. With appropriate safety measures, both radiotherapy and radiochemotherapy can be applied to pregnant patients with rectal cancers.