Title:Systemic Therapies for Pancreatic Cancer - The Role of Pharmacogenetics
Volume: 13
Issue: 6
Author(s): Ross A. Soo, Wei-Peng Yong and Federico Innocenti
Affiliation:
Keywords:
Pancreatic cancer, pharmacogenetics, chemotherapy, therapy, resistance, Gemcitabine, Intra-Tumoral Molecular Determinants, Clinical Outcome, Multi-drug resistant genes, focal adhesion kinase
Abstract: Effective systemic treatment of pancreatic cancer remains a major challenge, with progress hampered by drug
resistance and treatment related toxicities. Currently available cytotoxic agents as monotherapy or in combination have
provided only a modest survival benefit for patients with advanced disease. Disappointing phase III results with
gemcitabine-based combinations in patients with advanced pancreatic cancer might be related to poor efficacy of systemic
therapies in unselected patients. Future research strategies should prioritize identification of predictive markers through
pharmacogenetic investigations. The individualization of patient treatment through pharmacogenetics may help to
improve outcome by maximizing efficacy whilst lowering toxicity. This review provides an update on the
pharmacogenetics of pancreatic cancer treatment and its influence on treatment benefits and toxicity.
