Emerging Tumor Biomarkers in Pancreatic Cancer and Their Clinical Implications

Abstract

Pancreatic cancer is one of the deadliest malignancies, and this is attributed to the fact that it is diagnosed at a late stage and there are limited treatment options. Tumor biomarkers are used to improve early diagnosis, treatment, and decision-making and to estimate patients’ outcomes. This review aims to discuss the new functions of important biomarkers, such as miRNAs, GATA6, L1CAM, and MUC1 in pancreatic cancer. MiRNAs, including miR-21, miR-155, and miR-196a, are prognostic in PC and may be potential therapeutic targets through the regulation of oncogenic pathways and chemoresistance. GATA6, a transcription factor that controls tumor differentiation and immune escape, has been proposed as a pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) subtyping marker and a predictor of chemotherapy response. L1CAM promotes tumor growth, invasion, and immune suppression, which leads to the formation of new metastases and perineural invasion. MUC1, a glycoprotein with altered glycosylation, is a marker of tumor progression, immune escape, and resistance to chemotherapy. These biomarkers can be combined into diagnostic panels that may increase the accuracy of the diagnosis and help to individualize the treatment plan. However, the present study is inconclusive, and more clinical evidence is needed to apply these biomarkers in clinical practice. More specific research should be directed towards the development of new targeted therapies that would act on these molecular targets and improve the prognosis and treatment of pancreatic cancer.