Roles of the nervous system in pancreatic cancer. Issue 5 (29th March 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Wakiya, Taiichi; Ishido, Keinosuke; Yoshizawa, Tadashi; Kanda, Taishu; Hakamada, Kenichi
• Is Part Of: Annals of gastroenterological surgery. Volume 5:Issue 5(2021)
• Page Start: 623
• Page End: 633
• Publication Date: 2021-03-29
• Subjects: axon guidance -- nerve growth factors -- neurotrophic tyrosine kinase receptor -- pancreatic neoplasms -- tumor microenvironment; Digestive organs -- Surgery -- Periodicals; 617.43
• DOI: 10.1002/ags3.12459
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2475-0328

Abstract

Abstract: Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), with its extremely poor prognosis, presents a substantial health problem worldwide. Outcomes have improved thanks to progress in surgical technique, chemotherapy, pre‐/postoperative management, and centralization of patient care to high‐volume centers. However, our goals are yet to be met. Recently, exome sequencing using PDAC surgical specimens has demonstrated that the most frequently altered genes were the axon guidance genes, indicating involvement of the nervous system in PDAC carcinogenesis. Moreover, perineural invasion has been widely identified as one poor prognostic factor. The combination of innovative technologies and extensive clinician experience with the nervous system come together here to create a new treatment option. However, evidence has emerged that suggests that the relationship between cancer and nerves in PDAC, the underlying mechanism, is not fully understood. In an attempt to tackle this lethal cancer, this review summarizes the anatomy and physiology of the pancreas and discusses the role of the nervous system in the pathophysiology of PDAC. Abstract : The combination of innovative technologies and extensive clinician experience with the nervous system come together here to create a new treatment option. In order to tackle this lethal disease from a new perspective, this review summarizes the anatomy and physiology of the pancreas and discusses the role of the nervous system in the pathophysiology of PDAC.