MOLECULAR-GENETICS OF EXOCRINE PANCREATIC NEOPLASM

The molecular genetic study of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma will be critical for our understanding of the biology of this tumor type. Currently, we know that at least one dominant oncogene (K-ras) as well as two tumor-suppressor genes (p53 and MTS1) are involved in the development of pancreatic carcinoma. The involvement of additional genes is suggested by the high rate of chromosomal loss at specific sites, including 18q. The intraepithelial lesions of pancreatic ducts often contain K-ras mutations and may represent precursor lesions that are rather common in the general population. These studies suggest a distinctive molecular genetic profile for pancreatic adenocarcinoma, which rarely is shared by other human neoplasms. One would hope that this knowledge eventually may find application in new diagnostic and therapeutic strategies.