Role of Inflammation in Pancreatic Carcinogenesis and the Implications for Future Therapy

Vol. 5, No. 6, 2005

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Review

Role of Inflammation in Pancreatic Carcinogenesis and the Implications for Future Therapy
G. Garcea^a, A.R. Dennison^b, W.P. Steward^a, D.P. Berry^b

^aCancer Studies and Molecular Medicine, Robert Kilpatrick Clinical Sciences Building, The Leicester Royal Infirmary, and
^bDepartment of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, The Leicester General Hospital, Leicester, UK

Address of Corresponding Author

Pancreatology 2005;5:514-529 (DOI: 10.1159/000087493)

Key Words

Inducible nitric oxide
Interleukins
Pro-inflammatory cytokines
Cyclooxygenase-2
NF-kappa B
Reactive oxygen species
DNA adducts
Lipoxygenases
Chemoprevention

Abstract

Background: The link between inflammation and pancreatic cancer has been observed for a number of gastrointestinal neoplasms. This review examines the role of inflammation in pancreatic carcinogenesis and how it can be utilised to develop new therapies against pancreatic cancer. Methods: A literature review of Pubmed, Medline and Web of Science databases was undertaken using the key words, pancreatic cancer, inflammation, inducible nitric oxide, interleukins, pro-inflammatory cytokines, cyclooxygenase-2, NF-kappa B, reactive oxygen species, DNA adducts, lipoxygenases, chemoprevention. Results: Epidemiological evidence and molecular studies both in vitro and in vivo all support the hypothesis that inflammation plays an important in the initiation and progression of pancreatic tumours. Conclusion: Sustained damage caused by chronic inflammation may precede the onset of frank malignancy by a significant interval. As such, suppression of inflammatory changes and oxidative damage, may help delay or even prevent the inception of pancreatic neoplasia.

Author Contacts

Giuseppe Garcea, MD
Cancer Studies and Molecular Medicine, 5th Floor
The Robert Kilpatrick Clinical Sciences Building, The Leicester Royal Infirmary
Leicester, LE2 7LX (UK)
Tel. +44 116 258 4666, Fax +44 116 258 4708, E-Mail gg43@le.ac.uk

Article Information

Published online: August 16, 2005
Number of Print Pages : 16
Number of Figures : 6, Number of Tables : 0, Number of References : 194

Medline Abstract (ID 16110250)

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