Biomarker-driven and molecularly targeted therapies for pancreatic adenocarcinoma

Semin Oncol. 2018 Jun;45(3):107-115. doi: 10.1053/j.seminoncol.2018.05.004. Epub 2018 Jun 5.

Abstract

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) remains a deadly disease with few effective treatment options. Our knowledge of molecular alterations in PDAC has significantly grown and helped identify new therapeutic targets. The success of immune checkpoint inhibition in mismatch repair deficient tumors, PARP inhibitors for tumors with DNA repair defects, and targeting hyaluronan with PEGPH20 in patients with high expressing (hyaluronan-high) tumors are examples of promising biomarker-driven therapies. We review the major biological mechanisms in PDAC and discuss current and future directions for molecularly targeted therapies in this disease.

Keywords: Immune therapies; Molecular targeted therapies; Pancreatic cancer; Signaling pathways; Tumor stroma.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols / therapeutic use*
  • Biomarkers, Tumor / antagonists & inhibitors*
  • Biomarkers, Tumor / metabolism
  • Carcinoma, Pancreatic Ductal / drug therapy*
  • Carcinoma, Pancreatic Ductal / metabolism
  • Humans
  • Hyaluronic Acid / antagonists & inhibitors*
  • Hyaluronic Acid / metabolism
  • Molecular Targeted Therapy / methods*
  • Molecular Targeted Therapy / trends
  • Pancreatic Neoplasms / drug therapy*
  • Pancreatic Neoplasms / metabolism
  • Survival Analysis
  • Tumor Microenvironment / drug effects

Substances

  • Biomarkers, Tumor
  • Hyaluronic Acid