Pancreatic Cancer: A Review of Risk Factors, Diagnosis, and Treatment

Abstract

This review aims to summarize the latest knowledge on factors, diagnosis, and treatment of pancreatic cancer, and aims to promote further research on this under-studied malignant tumor. At present, we urgently need to identify high-risk patients with precancerous diseases through screening approaches, so that medical professionals and the general public may better understand prevention strategies or early detection measures. Pancreatic cancer is a highly invasive malignant tumor with a fatal risk, mainly seen in men and older adults (60-85 years old). Pancreatic cancer is now increasingly observed in young patients. Because the disease has no early symptoms and can quickly invade surrounding tissues and organs, it is one of the deadliest cancers. With a view to identify the important factors for the development of pancreatic cancer, previous studies have found that smoking, alcohol, and chronic pancreatitis are considered high-risk factors. Recent studies have shown that abnormal metabolism of human microorganisms, blood type, and glucose and lipid levels are also important factors in the development of pancreatic cancer. Identifying early diagnosis options is an important way to improve detection and survival rates of pancreatic cancer. None of the many tumor markers associated with pancreatic cancer are highly specific, which also indicates further research is required to improve the early detection rate. Future directions in terms of treatment evaluating the relationship between the microbiology-free system and immunotherapy will bring a major breakthrough and is expected to bring exciting clinical applications in improving the life-cycle of pancreatic cancer patients.

Application of Mass Spectrometry in Pancreatic Cancer Translational Research

“…Among them, pancreatic lipase is significantly reduced in PDAC and may be a predictor of cancer mortality. Smoking, alcohol, CP, and obesity are major risk factors for PC (71). Shu et al analyzed the relationship between plasma metabolites and risk factors in 226 patients with PC according to UPLC-Q-TOF-MS (53).…”

“…Among them, pancreatic lipase is significantly reduced in PDAC and may be a predictor of cancer mortality. Smoking, alcohol, CP, and obesity are major risk factors for PC ( 71 ). Shu et al.…”

Retrospective Analysis of the Value of Enhanced CT Radiomics Analysis in the Differential Diagnosis Between Pancreatic Cancer and Chronic Pancreatitis

“…1 The rate of 5-year survival is 2%-9%, 2 and is mainly observed in males and older adults; approximately 90% of the newly diagnosed patients are >55 years. 3 PC has an insidious onset and atypical early symptoms and is often manifested as upper abdominal discomfort, back pain, indigestion, or diarrhea. Patients with symptoms, such as loss of appetite and weight loss, are mostly in the middle and late stages of cancer.…”

Low Carbohydrate Antigen 19-9 (CA 19-9) Levels in a Patient Highly Suspected of Having Caput Pancreas Tumor

“…Non-modifiable risk factors include age over 55 years, especially individuals 70-80 years old; male gender; blood types A, B, and AB; genetics; family history of pancreatic cancer; and type 2 diabetes, especially when the duration is over 10 years. Modifiable risk factors include gastrointestinal and intrapancreatic microflora; smoking or tobacco consumption; occupational exposure to metals or pesticides; alcohol consumption; high red-meat diet, processed meats, cholesterols, and nitrosamine; chronic pancreatitis; acute recurrent pancreatitis; and obesity [ 3 , 4 ].…”