Role of cancer stem cells in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma

Nat Rev Clin Oncol. 2009 Oct;6(10):580-6. doi: 10.1038/nrclinonc.2009.127. Epub 2009 Aug 18.

Abstract

As our understanding of pancreatic cancer evolves, evidence is growing to support a role for cancer stem cells in this devastating disease. Cancer stem cells constitute a distinct subpopulation in the tumor and are considered to drive both tumorigenesis and metastasis; these cells are thought to be highly resistant to standard treatment modalities. Here we review the current knowledge on pancreatic cancer stem cells and the implementation of cancer stem cell markers as prognostic or predictive biomarkers. We also discuss prospects for the use of cancer stem cells as targets for future therapeutic regimens in pancreatic cancer.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Biomarkers, Tumor / metabolism*
  • Carcinoma, Pancreatic Ductal / genetics
  • Carcinoma, Pancreatic Ductal / metabolism
  • Carcinoma, Pancreatic Ductal / pathology*
  • Cell Line, Tumor
  • Forecasting
  • Humans
  • Neoplasm Metastasis
  • Neoplastic Stem Cells / metabolism*
  • Neoplastic Stem Cells / pathology
  • Pancreatic Neoplasms / genetics
  • Pancreatic Neoplasms / metabolism
  • Pancreatic Neoplasms / pathology*

Substances

  • Biomarkers, Tumor