Challenges of Pancreatic Cancer

Cancer J. 2015 May-Jun;21(3):188-93. doi: 10.1097/PPO.0000000000000109.

Abstract

The development of novel molecular cancer imaging agents has considerably advanced in recent years. Numerous cancer imaging agents have demonstrated remarkable potential for aiding the diagnosis, staging, and treatment planning at the preclinical stage, which in turn has led to a number of agents being approved for human trials. Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma is currently the most deadly common carcinoma with an overall 5-year survival rate of about 6%. As detection technologies progress, the need for molecular imaging tools that will allow the diagnosis at an early stage will be crucial to improving patient outcomes. In this review, we will highlight agents that illuminate various cell populations that comprise the tumor: epithelial, endothelial, and stromal tumor cells.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Biomarkers, Tumor / blood
  • Early Detection of Cancer
  • Endothelial Cells / diagnostic imaging
  • Endothelial Cells / pathology
  • Epithelial Cells / diagnostic imaging*
  • Epithelial Cells / pathology
  • Humans
  • Molecular Imaging*
  • Neoplastic Cells, Circulating / pathology
  • Pancreatic Neoplasms / blood
  • Pancreatic Neoplasms / diagnostic imaging*
  • Pancreatic Neoplasms / pathology
  • Positron-Emission Tomography*
  • Radiography
  • Stromal Cells / diagnostic imaging
  • Stromal Cells / pathology

Substances

  • Biomarkers, Tumor