Molecular diagnosis of pancreatic cancer: where do we stand?

Front Biosci (Schol Ed). 2010 Jan 1;2(2):578-90. doi: 10.2741/s87.

Abstract

Pancreatic cancer remains a disease with a dismal prognosis due mostly to its late diagnosis. An early diagnosis would have a significant impact on the prognosis and, eventually, on the incidence of the disease itself. Many progresses have been made in the molecular diagnosis of pancreatic cancer. High risk patients would likely benefits from biologic screening, before the general population. Most of the markers remain limited to phase I and II studies. The challenges include the lack of specificity of some of the markers, as well as the lack of standardization within the laboratories. Further research is necessary prior to the application of the currently known biomarkers for the diagnosis of pancreatic cancer.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Biomarkers, Tumor / metabolism*
  • Disease Progression
  • Humans
  • Models, Biological*
  • Pancreatic Neoplasms / diagnosis*
  • Pancreatic Neoplasms / genetics*
  • Pancreatic Neoplasms / metabolism*
  • Risk Factors

Substances

  • Biomarkers, Tumor