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What is the current status of targeted therapies to treat pancreatic cancer?
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StevenLibuttiMD (Physician (Verified) ) - 08 / 05 / 2012
I think there is a lot of excitement surrounding pancreatic cancer research right now in light of the identification of important pathways involved in the development and progression of both adenocarcinoma and neuroendocrine tumors. Therapies can be targeted against a specific pathway, or targeted directly to the tumor cells themselves to avoid systemic toxicity.
Mutations in genes such as BRCA2 and KRAS, which can lead to pancreatic adenocarcinoma have been identified and open the possibility of understanding these pathways better and developing therapies to block them. Similarly, mutations in genes like MEN1, and DAXX have been shown to be important for the development and progression of pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors.
Currently, new targeted therapies such as EGF receptor inhibitors like erlotinib for pancreatic adenocarcinoma and mTOR inhibitors like everolimus for pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors are showing promise. Clearly, we need more and better agents, but the greater understanding we are developing of how these tumors form and progress will hopefully lead to more effective treatment strategies.
Mutations in genes such as BRCA2 and KRAS, which can lead to pancreatic adenocarcinoma have been identified and open the possibility of understanding these pathways better and developing therapies to block them. Similarly, mutations in genes like MEN1, and DAXX have been shown to be important for the development and progression of pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors.
Currently, new targeted therapies such as EGF receptor inhibitors like erlotinib for pancreatic adenocarcinoma and mTOR inhibitors like everolimus for pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors are showing promise. Clearly, we need more and better agents, but the greater understanding we are developing of how these tumors form and progress will hopefully lead to more effective treatment strategies.
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