| Theme |
Up‒to‒date of the Protection of Gastroenterological Cancers |
| Title |
Chronic Pancreatitis and Pancreatic Cancer |
| Author |
Shin Hamada |
Division of Gastroenterology, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine |
| Author |
Atsushi Masamune |
Division of Gastroenterology, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine |
| Author |
Tooru Shimosegawa |
Division of Gastroenterology, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine |
| [ Summary ] |
Pancreatic cancer is a lethal cancer, whose incidence is increasing in Japan. Chronic pancreatitis and hereditary pancreatitis are risk factors of pancreatic cancer. Therapeutic intervention such as alcohol abstinence is effective in reducing pancreatic cancer risk, suggesting inflammation‒driven carcinogenesis. Chemoprevention of pancreatic cancer has been studied using genetically engineered mouse models, and several candidates have been found. The efficacy of these drugs and natural products needs to be elucidated in human disease. In addition, activated stromal cells are reported to support pancreatic cancer progression, by enhancing the malignant behavior of cancer cells and attenuating immune responses. However, simple depletion of stromal cells failed to show an improved outcome, suggesting an inhibitory role of cancer stroma against cancer progression. Dissecting the complex interactions between cancer cells and stromal cells is necessary to establish inflammation‒targeting therapy. |