Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma: Precursors and Variants

Dear Colleagues,

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is one of the most lethal human cancers, with projections foreseeing that it will become the second leading cause of cancer death by 2030 in the world. To better understand PDAC carcinogenesis, an in-depth understanding of its precursors (pancreatic intraepithelial neoplasia, PanIN; intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm, IPMN; mucinous cystic neoplasm, MCN; and intraductal tubulo-papillary neoplasm, ITPN) is needed. Furthermore, interesting insights into PDAC biology may also be derived from studies on peculiar PDAC variants (e.g., adenosquamous, colloid, medullary, and undifferentiated with osteoclast-like giant cells). Although several studies have been performed on this topic, there are different “gray areas” that need further investigation. Notably, the currently available treatments do not produce suitable results. Thus, there is an urgent need for novel research strategies to better define diagnostic, predictive, and therapeutic algorithms for the coming years.

The focus of this Special Issue is to consider the following aspects of PDAC, its precursors, and also its variants: a) histology with molecular correlates; b) molecular profile/characterization；c) liquid biopsy; d) innovations in multidisciplinary management; d) molecularly targeted drugs; e) microsatellite instability; and f) immunotherapy.

Dr. Claudio Luchini
Guest Editor

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