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Boileve A, Smolenschi C, Lambert A, Boige V, Tarabay A, Valery M, Fuerea A, Pudlarz T, Conroy T, Hollebecque A, Ducreux M. Role of molecular biology in the management of pancreatic cancer. World J Gastrointest Oncol 2024; 16:2902-2914. [DOI: 10.4251/wjgo.v16.i7.2902] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2024] [Revised: 04/04/2024] [Accepted: 05/21/2024] [Indexed: 07/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) presents significant challenges in patient management due to a dismal prognosis, increasing incidence, and limited treatment options. In this regard, precision medicine, which personalizes treatments based on tumour molecular characteristics, has gained great interest. However, its widespread implementation is not fully endorsed in current recommendations. This review explores key molecular alterations in PDAC, while emphasizing differences between KRAS-mutated and KRAS-wild-type tumours. It assesses the practical application of precision medicine in clinical settings and outlines potential future directions with respect to PDAC. Actionable molecular targets are examined with the aim of enhancing our understanding of PDAC molecular biology. Insights from this analysis may contribute to a more refined and personalized approach to pancreatic cancer treatment, ultimately improving patient outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alice Boileve
- Department of Medical, Gustave Roussy, Villejuif 94800, France
| | | | - Aurélien Lambert
- Department of Medical Oncology, Institut de Cancérologie de Lorraine, Nancy 54519, France
| | - Valérie Boige
- Department of Medical, Gustave Roussy, Villejuif 94800, France
| | - Anthony Tarabay
- Department of Medical, Gustave Roussy, Villejuif 94800, France
| | - Marine Valery
- Department of Medical, Gustave Roussy, Villejuif 94800, France
| | - Alina Fuerea
- Department of Medical, Gustave Roussy, Villejuif 94800, France
| | - Thomas Pudlarz
- Department of Medical, Gustave Roussy, Villejuif 94800, France
| | - Thierry Conroy
- Department of Medical Oncology, Institut de Cancérologie de Lorraine, Nancy 54519, France
| | | | - Michel Ducreux
- Department of Medical, Gustave Roussy, Villejuif 94800, France
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Deiana C, Agostini M, Brandi G, Giovannetti E. The trend toward more target therapy in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma. Expert Rev Anticancer Ther 2024; 24:525-565. [PMID: 38768098 DOI: 10.1080/14737140.2024.2357802] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2023] [Accepted: 05/16/2024] [Indexed: 05/22/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Despite the considerable progress made in cancer treatment through the development of target therapies, pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) continues to exhibit resistance to this category of drugs. As a result, chemotherapy combination regimens remain the primary treatment approach for this aggressive cancer. AREAS COVERED In this review, we provide an in-depth analysis of past and ongoing trials on both well-known and novel targets that are being explored in PDAC, including PARP, EGFR, HER2, KRAS, and its downstream and upstream pathways (such as RAF/MEK/ERK and PI3K/AKT/mTOR), JAK/STAT pathway, angiogenesis, metabolisms, epigenetic targets, claudin, and novel targets (such as P53 and plectin). We also provide a comprehensive overview of the significant trials for each target, allowing a thorough glimpse into the past and future of target therapy. EXPERT OPINION The path toward implementing a target therapy capable of improving the overall survival of PDAC is still long, and it is unlikely that a monotherapy target drug will fulfill a meaningful role in addressing the complexity of this cancer. Thus, we discuss the future direction of target therapies in PDAC, trying to identify the more promising target and combination treatments, with a special focus on the more eagerly awaited ongoing trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiara Deiana
- Medical Oncology, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Margherita Agostini
- Medical Oncology, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Giovanni Brandi
- Medical Oncology, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Elisa Giovannetti
- Department of Medical Oncology, Cancer Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam UMC, VU University Medical Center (VUmc), Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Cancer Pharmacology Lab, Associazione Italiana per la Ricerca sul Cancro (AIRC) Start-Up Unit, Fondazione Pisana per la Scienza, Pisa, San Giuliano, Italy
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Toledo B, Deiana C, Scianò F, Brandi G, Marchal JA, Perán M, Giovannetti E. Treatment resistance in pancreatic and biliary tract cancer: molecular and clinical pharmacology perspectives. Expert Rev Clin Pharmacol 2024; 17:323-347. [PMID: 38413373 DOI: 10.1080/17512433.2024.2319340] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2023] [Accepted: 02/12/2024] [Indexed: 02/29/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Treatment resistance poses a significant obstacle in oncology, especially in biliary tract cancer (BTC) and pancreatic cancer (PC). Current therapeutic options include chemotherapy, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy. Resistance to these treatments may arise due to diverse molecular mechanisms, such as genetic and epigenetic modifications, altered drug metabolism and efflux, and changes in the tumor microenvironment. Identifying and overcoming these mechanisms is a major focus of research: strategies being explored include combination therapies, modulation of the tumor microenvironment, and personalized approaches. AREAS COVERED We provide a current overview and discussion of the most relevant mechanisms of resistance to chemotherapy, target therapy, and immunotherapy in both BTC and PC. Furthermore, we compare the different strategies that are being implemented to overcome these obstacles. EXPERT OPINION So far there is no unified theory on drug resistance and progress is limited. To overcome this issue, individualized patient approaches, possibly through liquid biopsies or single-cell transcriptome studies, are suggested, along with the potential use of artificial intelligence, to guide effective treatment strategies. Furthermore, we provide insights into what we consider the most promising areas of research, and we speculate on the future of managing treatment resistance to improve patient outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Belén Toledo
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Jaén, Jaén, Spain
- Department of Medical Oncology, Cancer Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam UMC, VU University Medical Center (VUmc), Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Chiara Deiana
- Medical Oncology, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Fabio Scianò
- Department of Medical Oncology, Cancer Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam UMC, VU University Medical Center (VUmc), Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Lumobiotics GmbH, Karlsruhe, Germany
| | - Giovanni Brandi
- Medical Oncology, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Juan Antonio Marchal
- Biopathology and Regenerative Medicine Institute (IBIMER), Centre for Biomedical Research (CIBM), University of Granada, Granada, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria ibs. GRANADA, Hospitales Universitarios de Granada-Universidad de Granada, Granada, Spain
- Department of Human Anatomy and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Granada, Granada, Spain
- Excellence Research Unit "Modeling Nature" (MNat), University of Granada, Granada, Spain
| | - Macarena Perán
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Jaén, Jaén, Spain
- Biopathology and Regenerative Medicine Institute (IBIMER), Centre for Biomedical Research (CIBM), University of Granada, Granada, Spain
- Excellence Research Unit "Modeling Nature" (MNat), University of Granada, Granada, Spain
| | - Elisa Giovannetti
- Department of Medical Oncology, Cancer Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam UMC, VU University Medical Center (VUmc), Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Cancer Pharmacology Lab, Fondazione Pisana per la Scienza, Pisa, Italy
- Cancer Pharmacology Lab, Associazione Italiana per la Ricerca sul Cancro (AIRC) Start-Up Unit, Fondazione Pisana per la Scienza, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
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Hu ZI, O'Reilly EM. Therapeutic developments in pancreatic cancer. Nat Rev Gastroenterol Hepatol 2024; 21:7-24. [PMID: 37798442 DOI: 10.1038/s41575-023-00840-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/15/2023] [Indexed: 10/07/2023]
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) has a rising incidence and is one of the most lethal human malignancies. Much is known regarding the biology and pathophysiology of PDAC, but translating this knowledge to the clinic to improve patient outcomes has been challenging. In this Review, we discuss advances and practice-changing trials for PDAC. We briefly review therapeutic failures as well as ongoing research to refine the standard of care, including novel biomarkers and clinical trial designs. In addition, we highlight contemporary areas of research, including poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase inhibitors, KRAS-targeted therapies and immunotherapies. Finally, we discuss the future of pancreatic cancer research and areas for improvement in the next decade.
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Affiliation(s)
- Z Ian Hu
- Department of Gastrointestinal Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Eileen M O'Reilly
- Gastrointestinal Oncology Service, Department of Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA.
- Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY, USA.
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Ben-Ammar I, Rousseau A, Nicolle R, Tarabay A, Boige V, Valery M, Pudlarz T, Malka D, Gelli M, Fernandez-De-Sevilla E, Fuerea A, Tanguy ML, Rouleau E, Barbe R, Mathieu JRR, Jaulin F, Smolenschi C, Hollebecque A, Ducreux M, Boileve A. Precision medicine for KRAS wild-type pancreatic adenocarcinomas. Eur J Cancer 2024; 197:113497. [PMID: 38134480 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejca.2023.113497] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2023] [Revised: 12/07/2023] [Accepted: 12/12/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND KRAS mutation is the most common molecular alteration in pancreatic adenocarcinoma (PDAC), and around 10% of patients harbor KRAS wild-type tumors (KRASWT). METHODS A retrospective chart review of clinical/molecular data was performed including all PDAC patients with a determined KRAS status (tumor molecular profiling on tissue or liquid biopsy). RESULTS 342 patients were included with 54 KRASWT PDAC (16%) compared to 288 patients with KRASm PDAC. Median age was 61 years [IQR:54.0;67.0] and 164 pts (48%) were female. At diagnosis, KRASWT patients (63%) were more frequently diagnosed at a non-metastatic stage compared to KRASm patients (41%) (p = 0.003). Regarding metastatic sites, liver was less frequent in KRASWT (39%, p < 0.0001). Median overall survival (mOS) from initial diagnosis was significantly higher in the KRASWT group compared to KRASm (50.8 months, CI95% [32.0-NR] vs 21.1 months, CI95% [18.9-23.4] (p < 0.004 after adjustment on age, ECOG and stage at diagnosis). In first-line systemic treatment, (mostly FOLFIRINOX) progression-free survival (PFS) was also higher in KRASWT. Based on ESCAT classification, a putative actionable alteration (ESCAT I-III) was identified in 19 (36%) KRASWT pts and 46 (16%) KRASm patients (p < 0.0001) with more alterations in FGFR2, BRAF(V600E), NRTK and more MSI tumors. KRASWT harbored also fewer alterations in TP53, CDKN2A, and SMAD4. 12 KRASWT patients received a molecularly-matched treatment with clinical benefit and improved outcomes compared to KRASm patients. CONCLUSIONS KRASWT patients display distinct disease characteristics and outcomes with prolonged overall survival. KRASWT patients also harbor more actionable molecular alterations, leading to higher survival rates after receiving molecularly matched treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Imen Ben-Ammar
- Gustave Roussy, Département de Médecine, 94800 Villejuif, France; Sorbonne Université, Faculté de Médecine, 75005 Paris, France
| | - Adrien Rousseau
- Gustave Roussy, Département de Médecine, 94800 Villejuif, France; Oncostat INSERM U1018, Gustave Roussy, Ligue Contre le Cancer, Université Paris-Saclay, Villejuif, France; Gustave Roussy, Département de Biostatistiques et D'épidémiologie, Université Paris-Saclay, Villejuif, France
| | - Rémy Nicolle
- Centre de Recherche sur l'Inflammation (CRI), INSERM, U1149, CNRS, ERL 8252, Université Paris Cité, Paris, France
| | - Anthony Tarabay
- Gustave Roussy, Département de Médecine, 94800 Villejuif, France
| | - Valérie Boige
- Gustave Roussy, Département de Médecine, 94800 Villejuif, France
| | - Marine Valery
- Gustave Roussy, Département de Médecine, 94800 Villejuif, France
| | - Thomas Pudlarz
- Gustave Roussy, Département de Médecine, 94800 Villejuif, France
| | - David Malka
- Gustave Roussy, Département de Médecine, 94800 Villejuif, France
| | | | | | - Alina Fuerea
- Centre de Recherche sur l'Inflammation (CRI), INSERM, U1149, CNRS, ERL 8252, Université Paris Cité, Paris, France
| | - Marie-Laure Tanguy
- Gustave Roussy, Département de Biostatistiques et D'épidémiologie, Université Paris-Saclay, Villejuif, France
| | - Etienne Rouleau
- Gustave Roussy, Département de Génétique Médicale, 94800 Villejuif, France
| | - Rémy Barbe
- Gustave Roussy, Département de Radiologie, 94800 Villejuif, France
| | | | - Fanny Jaulin
- INSERM U1279, Gustave Roussy, 94800 Villejuif, France; Université Paris Saclay, 91471 Orsay, France
| | - Cristina Smolenschi
- Gustave Roussy, Département de Médecine, 94800 Villejuif, France; Gustave Roussy, DITEP, 94800 Villejuif, France
| | - Antoine Hollebecque
- Gustave Roussy, Département de Médecine, 94800 Villejuif, France; Gustave Roussy, DITEP, 94800 Villejuif, France
| | - Michel Ducreux
- Gustave Roussy, Département de Médecine, 94800 Villejuif, France; INSERM U1279, Gustave Roussy, 94800 Villejuif, France; Université Paris Saclay, 91471 Orsay, France
| | - Alice Boileve
- Gustave Roussy, Département de Médecine, 94800 Villejuif, France; INSERM U1279, Gustave Roussy, 94800 Villejuif, France; Université Paris Saclay, 91471 Orsay, France.
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Zhou K, Liu Y, Yuan S, Zhou Z, Ji P, Huang Q, Wen F, Li Q. Signalling in pancreatic cancer: from pathways to therapy. J Drug Target 2023; 31:1013-1026. [PMID: 37869884 DOI: 10.1080/1061186x.2023.2274806] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2023] [Accepted: 10/18/2023] [Indexed: 10/24/2023]
Abstract
Pancreatic cancer (PC) is a common malignant tumour in the digestive system. Due to the lack of sensitive diagnostic markers, strong metastasis ability, and resistance to anti-cancer drugs, the prognosis of PC is inferior. In the past decades, increasing evidence has indicated that the development of PC is closely related to various signalling pathways. With the exploration of RAS-driven, epidermal growth factor receptor, Hedgehog, NF-κB, TGF-β, and NOTCH signalling pathways, breakthroughs have been made to explore the mechanism of pancreatic carcinogenesis, as well as the novel therapies. In this review, we discussed the signalling pathways involved in PC and summarised current targeted agents in the treatment of PC. Furthermore, opportunities and challenges in the exploration of potential therapies targeting signalling pathways were also highlighted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kexun Zhou
- Department of Medical Oncology, Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Yingping Liu
- The Second Clinical Medical College of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | | | - Ziyu Zhou
- The Second Clinical Medical College of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Pengfei Ji
- The Second Clinical Medical College of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Qianhan Huang
- School of Public Health, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China
| | - Feng Wen
- Department of Medical Oncology, Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Qiu Li
- Department of Medical Oncology, Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
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Singh H, Keller RB, Kapner KS, Dilly J, Raghavan S, Yuan C, Cohen EF, Tolstorukov M, Andrews E, Brais LK, Da Silva A, Perez K, Rubinson DA, Surana R, Giannakis M, Ng K, Clancy TE, Yurgelun MB, Schletchter B, Clark JW, Shapiro GI, Rosenthal MH, Hornick JL, Nardi V, Li YY, Gupta H, Cherniack AD, Meyerson M, Cleary JM, Nowak JA, Wolpin BM, Aguirre AJ. Oncogenic Drivers and Therapeutic Vulnerabilities in KRAS Wild-Type Pancreatic Cancer. Clin Cancer Res 2023; 29:4627-4643. [PMID: 37463056 PMCID: PMC10795103 DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-22-3930] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2022] [Revised: 05/17/2023] [Accepted: 07/14/2023] [Indexed: 07/20/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Approximately 8% to 10% of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinomas (PDAC) do not harbor mutations in KRAS. Understanding the unique molecular and clinical features of this subset of pancreatic cancer is important to guide patient stratification for clinical trials of molecularly targeted agents. EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN We analyzed a single-institution cohort of 795 exocrine pancreatic cancer cases (including 785 PDAC cases) with a targeted multigene sequencing panel and identified 73 patients (9.2%) with KRAS wild-type (WT) pancreatic cancer. RESULTS Overall, 43.8% (32/73) of KRAS WT cases had evidence of an alternative driver of the MAPK pathway, including BRAF mutations and in-frame deletions and receptor tyrosine kinase fusions. Conversely, 56.2% of cases did not harbor a clear MAPK driver alteration, but 29.3% of these MAPK-negative KRAS WT cases (12/41) demonstrated activating alterations in other oncogenic drivers, such as GNAS, MYC, PIK3CA, and CTNNB1. We demonstrate potent efficacy of pan-RAF and MEK inhibition in patient-derived organoid models carrying BRAF in-frame deletions. Moreover, we demonstrate durable clinical benefit of targeted therapy in a patient harboring a KRAS WT tumor with a ROS1 fusion. Clinically, patients with KRAS WT tumors were significantly younger in age of onset (median age: 62.6 vs. 65.7 years; P = 0.037). SMAD4 mutations were associated with a particularly poor prognosis in KRAS WT cases. CONCLUSIONS This study defines the genomic underpinnings of KRAS WT pancreatic cancer and highlights potential therapeutic avenues for future investigation in molecularly directed clinical trials. See related commentary by Kato et al., p. 4527.
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Affiliation(s)
- Harshabad Singh
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA
- Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, MA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
| | - Rachel B. Keller
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA
| | - Kevin S. Kapner
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA
| | - Julien Dilly
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA
- Biological and biomedical sciences program, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
- The Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT, Cambridge, MA
| | - Srivatsan Raghavan
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA
- Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, MA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
- The Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT, Cambridge, MA
| | - Chen Yuan
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA
| | - Elizabeth F. Cohen
- Department of Informatics and Analytics, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA
| | - Michael Tolstorukov
- Department of Informatics and Analytics, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA
| | - Elizabeth Andrews
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA
| | - Lauren K. Brais
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA
| | - Annacarolina Da Silva
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA
- Department of Pathology, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY
| | - Kimberly Perez
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA
- Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, MA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
| | - Douglas A. Rubinson
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA
- Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, MA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
| | - Rishi Surana
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA
- Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, MA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
| | - Marios Giannakis
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA
- Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, MA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
| | - Kimmie Ng
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA
- Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, MA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
| | - Thomas E. Clancy
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
- Division of Surgical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA
- Department of Surgery, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, MA
| | - Matthew B. Yurgelun
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA
- Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, MA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
| | - Benjamin Schletchter
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA
- Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, MA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
| | - Jeffrey W. Clark
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
- Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center, Boston, MA
| | - Geoffrey I. Shapiro
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA
- Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, MA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
| | - Michael H. Rosenthal
- Department of Radiology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA
- Department of Radiology, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, MA
| | - Jason L. Hornick
- Department of Pathology, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, MA
| | - Valentina Nardi
- Department of Pathology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA
| | - Yvonne Y. Li
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
- The Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT, Cambridge, MA
| | - Hersh Gupta
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
- The Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT, Cambridge, MA
| | - Andrew D. Cherniack
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
- The Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT, Cambridge, MA
| | - Matthew Meyerson
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
- The Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT, Cambridge, MA
| | - James M. Cleary
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA
- Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, MA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
| | - Jonathan A. Nowak
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
- Department of Radiology, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, MA
| | - Brian M. Wolpin
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA
- Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, MA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
| | - Andrew J. Aguirre
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA
- Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, MA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
- The Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT, Cambridge, MA
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de Jesus VHF, Mathias-Machado MC, de Farias JPF, Aruquipa MPS, Jácome AA, Peixoto RD. Targeting KRAS in Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma: The Long Road to Cure. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:5015. [PMID: 37894382 PMCID: PMC10605759 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15205015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2023] [Revised: 10/04/2023] [Accepted: 10/06/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) remains an important cause of cancer-related mortality, and it is expected to play an even bigger part in cancer burden in the years to come. Despite concerted efforts from scientists and physicians, patients have experienced little improvement in survival over the past decades, possibly because of the non-specific nature of the tested treatment modalities. Recently, the discovery of potentially targetable molecular alterations has paved the way for the personalized treatment of PDAC. Indeed, the central piece in the molecular framework of PDAC is starting to be unveiled. KRAS mutations are seen in 90% of PDACs, and multiple studies have demonstrated their pivotal role in pancreatic carcinogenesis. Recent investigations have shed light on the differences in prognosis as well as therapeutic implications of the different KRAS mutations and disentangled the relationship between KRAS and effectors of downstream and parallel signaling pathways. Additionally, the recognition of other mechanisms involving KRAS-mediated pathogenesis, such as KRAS dosing and allelic imbalance, has contributed to broadening the current knowledge regarding this molecular alteration. Finally, KRAS G12C inhibitors have been recently tested in patients with pancreatic cancer with relative success, and inhibitors of KRAS harboring other mutations are under clinical development. These drugs currently represent a true hope for a meaningful leap forward in this dreadful disease.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Alexandre A. Jácome
- Department of Gastrointestinal Medical Oncology, Oncoclínicas, Belo Horizonte 30360-680, Brazil
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9
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Zhen DB, Safyan RA, Konick EQ, Nguyen R, Prichard CC, Chiorean EG. The role of molecular testing in pancreatic cancer. Therap Adv Gastroenterol 2023; 16:17562848231171456. [PMID: 37197396 PMCID: PMC10184226 DOI: 10.1177/17562848231171456] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2022] [Accepted: 04/06/2023] [Indexed: 05/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDA) is highly aggressive and has few treatment options. To personalize therapy, it is critical to delineate molecular subtypes and understand inter- and intra-tumoral heterogeneity. Germline testing for hereditary genetic abnormalities is recommended for all patients with PDA and somatic molecular testing is recommended for all patients with locally advanced or metastatic disease. KRAS mutations are present in 90% of PDA, while 10% are KRAS wild type and are potentially targetable with epidermal growth factor receptor blockade. KRASG12C inhibitors have shown activity in G12C-mutated cancers, and novel G12D and pan-RAS inhibitors are in clinical trials. DNA damage repair abnormalities, germline or somatic, occur in 5-10% of patients and are likely to benefit from DNA damaging agents and maintenance therapy with poly-ADP ribose polymerase inhibitors. Fewer than 1% of PDA harbor microsatellite instability high status and are susceptible to immune checkpoint blockade. Albeit very rare, occurring in <1% of patients with KRAS wild-type PDAs, BRAF V600E mutations, RET and NTRK fusions are targetable with cancer agnostic Food and Drug Administration-approved therapies. Genetic, epigenetic, and tumor microenvironment targets continue to be identified at an unprecedented pace, enabling PDA patients to be matched to targeted and immune therapeutics, including antibody-drug conjugates, and genetically engineered chimeric antigen receptor or T-cell receptor - T-cell therapies. In this review, we highlight clinically relevant molecular alterations and focus on targeted strategies that can improve patient outcomes through precision medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- David B. Zhen
- University of Washington School of Medicine, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Rachael A. Safyan
- University of Washington School of Medicine, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Eric Q. Konick
- University of Washington, School of Medicine Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Ryan Nguyen
- University of Washington, School of Medicine Seattle, WA, USA
| | | | - E. Gabriela Chiorean
- University of Washington School of Medicine, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, 825 Eastlake Avenue East, LG-465, Seattle, WA 98109, USA Fred Hutchinson
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10
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Fudalej M, Kwaśniewska D, Nurzyński P, Badowska-Kozakiewicz A, Mękal D, Czerw A, Sygit K, Deptała A. New Treatment Options in Metastatic Pancreatic Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:cancers15082327. [PMID: 37190255 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15082327] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2023] [Revised: 04/12/2023] [Accepted: 04/15/2023] [Indexed: 05/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic cancer (PC) is the seventh leading cause of cancer death across the world. Poor prognosis of PC is associated with several factors, such as diagnosis at an advanced stage, early distant metastases, and remarkable resistance to most conventional treatment options. The pathogenesis of PC seems to be significantly more complicated than originally assumed, and findings in other solid tumours cannot be extrapolated to this malignancy. To develop effective treatment schemes prolonging patient survival, a multidirectional approach encompassing different aspects of the cancer is needed. Particular directions have been established; however, further studies bringing them all together and connecting the strengths of each therapy are needed. This review summarises the current literature and provides an overview of new or emerging therapeutic strategies for the more effective management of metastatic PC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta Fudalej
- Department of Oncology Propaedeutics, Medical University of Warsaw, 01-445 Warsaw, Poland
- Department of Oncology, Central Clinical Hospital of the Ministry of Interior and Administration, 02-507 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Daria Kwaśniewska
- Department of Oncology, Central Clinical Hospital of the Ministry of Interior and Administration, 02-507 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Paweł Nurzyński
- Department of Oncology, Central Clinical Hospital of the Ministry of Interior and Administration, 02-507 Warsaw, Poland
| | | | - Dominika Mękal
- Department of Oncology Propaedeutics, Medical University of Warsaw, 01-445 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Aleksandra Czerw
- Department of Health Economics and Medical Law, Medical University of Warsaw, 01-445 Warsaw, Poland
- Department of Economic and System Analyses, National Institute of Public Health NIH-National Research Institute, 00-791 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Katarzyna Sygit
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Calisia University, 62-800 Kalisz, Poland
| | - Andrzej Deptała
- Department of Oncology Propaedeutics, Medical University of Warsaw, 01-445 Warsaw, Poland
- Department of Oncology, Central Clinical Hospital of the Ministry of Interior and Administration, 02-507 Warsaw, Poland
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11
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Fang YT, Yang WW, Niu YR, Sun YK. Recent advances in targeted therapy for pancreatic adenocarcinoma. World J Gastrointest Oncol 2023; 15:571-595. [PMID: 37123059 PMCID: PMC10134207 DOI: 10.4251/wjgo.v15.i4.571] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2022] [Revised: 11/11/2022] [Accepted: 03/16/2023] [Indexed: 04/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is a fatal disease with a 5-year survival rate of 8% and a median survival of 6 mo. In PDAC, several mutations in the genes are involved, with Kirsten rat sarcoma oncogene (90%), cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor 2A (90%), and tumor suppressor 53 (75%–90%) being the most common. Mothers against decapentaplegic homolog 4 represents 50%. In addition, the self-preserving cancer stem cells, dense tumor microenvironment (fibrous accounting for 90% of the tumor volume), and suppressive and relatively depleted immune niche of PDAC are also constitutive and relevant elements of PDAC. Molecular targeted therapy is widely utilized and effective in several solid tumors. In PDAC, targeted therapy has been extensively evaluated; however, survival improvement of this aggressive disease using a targeted strategy has been minimal. There is currently only one United States Food and Drug Administration-approved targeted therapy for PDAC – erlotinib, but the absolute benefit of erlotinib in combination with gemcitabine is also minimal (2 wk). In this review, we summarize current targeted therapies and clinical trials targeting dysregulated signaling pathways and components of the PDAC oncogenic process, analyze possible reasons for the lack of positive results in clinical trials, and suggest ways to improve them. We also discuss emerging trends in targeted therapies for PDAC: combining targeted inhibitors of multiple pathways. The PubMed database and National Center for Biotechnology Information clinical trial website (www.clinicaltrials.gov) were queried to identify completed and published (PubMed) and ongoing (clinicaltrials.gov) clinical trials (from 2003-2022) using the keywords pancreatic cancer and targeted therapy. The PubMed database was also queried to search for information about the pathogenesis and molecular pathways of pancreatic cancer using the keywords pancreatic cancer and molecular pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu-Ting Fang
- Department of Medical Oncology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100021, China
| | - Wen-Wei Yang
- Department of Medical Oncology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100021, China
| | - Ya-Ru Niu
- Department of Medical Oncology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100021, China
| | - Yong-Kun Sun
- Department of Medical Oncology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100021, China
- Department of Medical Oncology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Hebei Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Langfang 065001, Hebei Province, China
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12
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Ma X, Liu X, Ou K, Zhang M, Gao L, Yang L. Advanced pancreatic cancer with KRAS wild-type and EGFR-sensitive mutation respond favorably to furmonertinib: A case report. Front Oncol 2023; 13:1151178. [PMID: 37091175 PMCID: PMC10117981 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2023.1151178] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2023] [Accepted: 03/28/2023] [Indexed: 04/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic cancer is the leading cause of cancer death, and treatment options are limited and mostly ineffective. The patient we report had an EGFR exon 19 deletion and had disease progression in the short term after receiving three front-line treatment regimens. We administered furmonertinib and observed tumor shrinkage, decreased CA19-9. The progression-free survival (PFS) of furmonertinib was 4.7 months, and no adverse effects were observed. However, the patient did not benefit from subsequent nimotuzumab-based therapy. Targeted therapy driven by the detection of genetic signatures in this patient shows potential clinical benefit in refractory advanced pancreatic cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoting Ma
- Department of Medical Oncology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Xiu Liu
- Department of Medical Oncology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Kai Ou
- Department of Medical Oncology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Manman Zhang
- Department of Medical Oncology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
- Department of Medical Oncology, Beijing Chaoyang Huanxing Cancer Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Lizhen Gao
- Department of Medical Oncology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
- Department of Medical Oncology, Beijing Chaoyang Huanxing Cancer Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Lin Yang
- Department of Medical Oncology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
- *Correspondence: Lin Yang,
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Sánchez Y, Concepción ML, Amador Y, Piriz A, Rabassa R, Leyva A, Arguelles O, Leblanch L, Moret S, Rivero G, Vasallo AL, Martorell B, Guerra PP, Valls AR, Sánchez L, Saumell Y. Nimotuzumab Concurrent with Gemcitabine as First-Line Treatment of Locally Advanced or Metastatic Pancreatic Adenocarcinoma. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2023; 2023:1496072. [PMID: 37152586 PMCID: PMC10162878 DOI: 10.1155/2023/1496072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2022] [Revised: 02/11/2023] [Accepted: 02/15/2023] [Indexed: 05/09/2023]
Abstract
Background Nimotuzumab exerts its antitumor effect (mainly antiproliferative, proapoptotic, and antiangiogenic) by blocking the epidermal growth factor receptor overexpressing between 30 and 95% in pancreatic tumors cells. Methods A prospective, nonrandomized, uncontrolled, open-label, and multicenter clinical trial was conducted to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of nimotuzumab combined with gemcitabine as first-line treatment in unresectable locally advanced or metastatic pancreatic tumors in a real-world condition. Adverse events, their intensity, severity, and causality were determined using the Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events (CTCAE, version 4.0). Median overall survival, median progression-free survival, and 1- and 2-year survival rates were determined by using the Kaplan-Meier. Results 69 patients were included. The proportion of related serious adverse events was 1.2%. The most frequent adverse events were nausea (10%), anemia (8%), and abdominal pain (8%). Objective response was achieved in 18.5% of the patients and disease control in 43.1%. Patients with locally advanced disease achieved a median overall survival of 16.36 months (95% CI; 14.35-18.38); 1- and 2-year survival rates of 72.2 and 29.2 months, respectively; a median progression-free survival of 9.6 months (95% CI; 4.91-14.20); and a 1-year progression-free survival rate of 39%. Patients with metastatic disease achieved a median survival of 6.23 months (95% CI; 4.32-8.13); 1- and 2-year survival rates of 18.1 and 3.0 months, respectively; a median progression-free survival of 7.6 months (95% CI; 6.08-9.90); and 1- and 2-year PFS rates of 20.5 and 5.1 months, respectively. Conclusions Nimotuzumab combined with gemcitabine represents a safe and effective first-line treatment option for patients with advanced pancreatic adenocarcinoma in real-world conditions. Survival benefits were increased in those patients who received 8 or more doses of nimotuzumab. This trial is registered with RPCEC00000245 in the Cuban Registry of Clinical Trials, part of the World Health Organization's International Clinical Trials Registry Platform (ICTRP).
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Affiliation(s)
- Yamirka Sánchez
- Oncology Department, III Congreso Hospital, Pinar del Río 20100, Cuba
| | | | - Yohan Amador
- Oncology Department, Faustino Pérez Hospital, Matanzas 40100, Cuba
| | - Angel Piriz
- Oncology Department, Agostinho Neto Hospital, Guantánamo 85100, Cuba
| | - René Rabassa
- Oncology Department, Manuel Ascunce Domenech Hospital, Camagüey 70100, Cuba
| | - Ariel Leyva
- Oncology Department, Vladimir Ilich Lenin Hospital, Holguín 80100, Cuba
| | - Odalys Arguelles
- Oncology Department, Antonio Luaces Iraola Hospital, Ciego de Ávila 65200, Cuba
| | - Lisett Leblanch
- Oncology Department, Carlos Manuel de Céspedes Hospital, Granma 85100, Cuba
| | - Sheyla Moret
- Oncology Department, Medical and Surgical Research Center, Havana 11600, Cuba
| | - Gilberto Rivero
- Oncology Department, Ernesto Guevara de la Serna Hospital, Las Tunas 75100, Cuba
| | - Ana L. Vasallo
- Oncology Department, Gustavo Aldereguía Lima Hospital, Cienfuegos 55100, Cuba
| | - Beatriz Martorell
- Oncology Department, Saturnino Lora Hospital, Santiago de Cuba 90500, Cuba
| | - Pedro P. Guerra
- Clinical Trial Department, National Coordinating Center of Clinical Trials, Havana 11600, Cuba
| | - Ana R. Valls
- Clinical Trial Department, Center of Molecular Immunology, Havana 11600, Cuba
| | - Lisset Sánchez
- Clinical Trial Department, Center of Molecular Immunology, Havana 11600, Cuba
| | - Yaimarelis Saumell
- Clinical Trial Department, Center of Molecular Immunology, Havana 11600, Cuba
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14
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Emerging Role of Targeted Therapy in Metastatic Pancreatic Adenocarcinoma. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14246223. [PMID: 36551707 PMCID: PMC9776746 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14246223] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2022] [Revised: 12/09/2022] [Accepted: 12/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The aggressive biology of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), along with its limited sensitivity to many systemic therapies, presents a major challenge in the management of patients with metastatic PDAC. Over the past decade, the incorporation of combinatorial cytotoxic chemotherapy regimens has improved patient outcomes. Despite these advances, resistance to cytotoxic chemotherapy inevitably occurs, and there is a great need for effective therapies. A major focus of research has been to identify molecularly defined subpopulations of patients with PDAC who may benefit from targeted therapies that are matched to their molecular profile. Recent successes include the demonstration of the efficacy of maintenance PARP inhibition in PDAC tumors harboring deleterious BRCA1, BRCA2, and PALB2 alterations. In addition, while therapeutic targeting of KRAS was long thought to be infeasible, emerging data on the efficacy of KRAS G12C inhibitors have increased optimism about next-generation KRAS-directed therapies in PDAC. Meanwhile, KRAS wild-type PDAC encompasses a unique molecular subpopulation of PDAC that is enriched for targetable genetic alterations, such as oncogenic BRAF alterations, mismatch repair deficiency, and FGFR2, ALK, NTRK, ROS1, NRG1, and RET rearrangements. As more molecularly targeted therapies are developed, precision medicine has the potential to revolutionize the treatment of patients with metastatic PDAC.
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