Defining New Pancreatic Tumour Entities by Molecular Analysis

Vol. 9, No. 4, 2009

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Molecular Diagnosis of Pancreatic Cancer: Review Series Guest Editors: J.P. Neoptolemos (Liverpool); T.M. Gress (Marburg)

Defining New Pancreatic Tumour Entities by Molecular Analysis
A.L. Mihaljevic^a, I. Esposito^{b, c}, C.W. Michalski^a, J. Kleeff^a, H. Friess^a

^aDepartment of Surgery, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technische Universität München,
^bInstitute of Pathology, Technische Universität München, and
^cInstitute of Pathology, Helmholtz Zentrum München, Munich, Germany

Address of Corresponding Author

Pancreatology 2009;9:334-339 (DOI: 10.1159/000212081)

Key Words

Pancreatic cancer
Tumour entities
Molecular analysis
Mutation

Abstract

Recent advances in molecular biology, biochemistry and genetics have broadened our understanding of tumourigenesis and of the maintenance and spread of pancreatic cancer far beyond traditional microscopic histopathological analysis. While the main focus of pancreatic cancer research has been on pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma, molecular research has also led to a better understanding of rare tumours of the pancreas, as well as to the definition of previously unknown tumour entities that can only be identified through the application of molecular tools. Furthermore, molecular analysis increasingly reveals the genetic and cell biological heterogeneity of established tumour entities, making subclassification of tumours possible. Genetic and molecular approaches may, therefore, not only lead to a better understanding of the pathogenesis of pancreatic tumours, but also culminate in more precise diagnosis as well as individually tailored treatment strategies for affected patients.

Author Contacts

J. Kleeff
Chirurgische Klinik und Poliklinik, Klinikum rechts der Isar
Technische Universität München, Ismaningerstrasse 22
DE-81675 Munich (Germany)
Tel. +49 89 4140 5098, Fax +49 89 4140 4870, E-Mail kleeff@chir.med.tu-muenchen.de

Article Information

Published online: May 18, 2009
Number of Print Pages : 6
Number of Figures : 1, Number of Tables : 1, Number of References : 47

Medline Abstract (ID 19451742)

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