Diet predisposes to pancreatic cancer through cellular nutrient sensing pathways

Abstract

Pancreatic cancer is a lethal disease with limited effective treatments. A deeper understanding of its molecular mechanisms is crucial to reduce incidence and mortality. Epidemiological evidence suggests a link between diet and disease risk, though dietary recommendations for at‐risk individuals remain debated. Here, we propose that cell‐intrinsic nutrient sensing pathways respond to specific diet‐derived cues to facilitate oncogenic transformation of pancreatic epithelial cells. This review explores how diet influences pancreatic cancer predisposition through nutrient sensing and downstream consequences for (pre‐)cancer cell biology. We also examine experimental evidence connecting specific food intake to pancreatic cancer progression, highlighting nutrient sensing as a promising target for therapeutic development to mitigate disease risk.