The pancreas cancer microenvironment

Feig, C., Gopinathan, A., Neesse, A., Chan, D. S., Cook, N., Tuveson, D. A. (August 2012) The pancreas cancer microenvironment. Clin Cancer Res, 18 (16). pp. 4266-76. ISSN 1078-0432 (Print)1078-0432 (Linking)

URL: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22896693
DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-11-3114

Abstract

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDA) is a common and lethal malignancy resulting in more than 250,000 deaths per year worldwide. Despite extensive efforts, cytotoxic and targeted therapies have provided only limited efficacy for patients with PDA to date. One contributing factor to the failure of systemic therapies may be the abundant tumor stromal content that is the characteristic of PDA. The PDA stroma, aptly termed the tumor microenvironment, occupies the majority of the tumor mass, and consists of a dynamic assortment of extracellular matrix components and nonneoplastic cells including fibroblastic, vascular, and immune cells. Recent work has revealed that the PDA stroma supports tumor growth and promotes metastasis and simultaneously serves as a physical barrier to drug delivery. Accordingly, methods that alter stromal composition or function, for instance interference with the vasculature via Notch/Hedgehog pathway inhibition or relief of vascular compression by hyaluronidase, are under active investigation. Here, we will review our current understanding of the PDA tumor microenvironment, and highlight opportunities for further exploration that may benefit patients. Clin Cancer Res; 18(16); 4266-76. (c)2012 AACR.

Item Type: Paper
Subjects: diseases & disorders > cancer
diseases & disorders
diseases & disorders > cancer > cancer types > pancreatic cancer
diseases & disorders > cancer > cancer types
CSHL Authors:
Communities: CSHL labs > Tuveson lab
Depositing User: Matt Covey
Date: 15 August 2012
Date Deposited: 31 Jan 2013 19:51
Last Modified: 31 Jan 2013 19:51
PMCID: PMC3442232
Related URLs:
URI: https://repository.cshl.edu/id/eprint/26938

Actions (login required)

Administrator's edit/view item Administrator's edit/view item
CSHL HomeAbout CSHLResearchEducationNews & FeaturesCampus & Public EventsCareersGiving