Emerging therapies for pancreatic ductal carcinoma

Abstract

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is a solid tumor mass that grows and metastasizes rapidly. There are no definitive methods for early detection and most patients are diagnosed at a late stage. Those diagnosed at an early stage are eligible for tumor resection. However, many of these patients are soon burdened with tumor recurrence. The tumor grows back aggressively and with resistance to the original chemotherapy. Gemcitabine has been the treatment of choice, but provides only minimal survival prolongation. Researchers are trying to improve the current standard of care by finding different methods to improve treatment efficacy and reduce side effects. This review emphasizes recent data on targeting the tumor using antifibrotic, nanotargeted, and dendritic cell therapies. Antifibrotic therapy aims to reduce tumor fibrosis, which prevents adequate chemotherapy penetration. Nanotargeted therapy offers precise targeting of cancer cells and chemotherapy delivery. Dendritic cell vaccines stimulate the body's immune system to target PDAC cells. These three treatment methods or a combination of them might improve the lifespan and quality of life for PDAC patients.