Molecular Relationships Between Chronic Pancreatitis and Cancer

Abstract

Chronic pancreatitis (CP) and pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) have long been known to be related diseases of the exocrine pancreas, however much of the existing literature is focused on identifying the differences between these two diseases. Thus, the exact nature of the relationship between CP and PDAC is unclear. CP is a major risk factor for PDAC, but the mechanisms of the increased risk have not been well characterized. PDAC is always associated with areas of histological CP, but whether CP is a cause, a precursor or a consequence of PDAC is unknown. Recently, novel mouse models of PDAC and CP have been developed that are providing new insights into these relationships. Moreover, the most obvious connection between CP and PDAC is the common characteristic of a prominent desmoplastic stroma. It is now understood that this stroma is the product of pancreatic stellate cells. New information about the function and regulation of these cells provides new insights into the relationships between these diseases. Clearly there is much to learn by considering the similarities between CP and PDAC, rather than continuing to focus on differences.