Pancreatic tumours: molecular pathways implicated in ductal cancer are involved in ampullary but not in exocrine nonductal or endocrine tumorigenesis
2001
Molecular Pathways in Pancreatic Tumors
Sample size: 112
publication
Evidence: moderate
Author Information
Author(s): Moore P S, Orlandini S, Zamboni G, Capelli P, Rigaud G, Falconi M, Bassi C, Lemoine N R, Scarpa A
Primary Institution: Università di Verona, Italy; Imperial College School of Medicine, London, UK
Hypothesis
Common molecular pathways are involved in the tumorigenesis of pancreatic exocrine and endocrine epithelia.
Conclusion
Pancreatic exocrine and endocrine tumorigenesis involves different genetic targets, with only ductal and ampullary cancers sharing common molecular events.
Supporting Evidence
- Alterations in K-ras, p53, p16 and DPC4 were found in 82%, 53%, 38% and 9% of pancreatic ductal cancer cases, respectively.
- 47% of ampulla of Vater cancers showed alterations in K-ras, p53, p16 and DPC4.
- Alterations in these genes were virtually absent in pancreatic endocrine tumors, acinar carcinomas, or solid-pseudopapillary tumors.
Takeaway
This study looked at different types of pancreatic tumors and found that only some share the same genetic changes.
Methodology
Characterized 112 primary pancreatic tumors for genetic alterations and immunohistochemical expression.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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