The Role of Inflammation in Pancreatic Cancer

Abstract

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is a devastating disease with an extremely poor prognosis. Inflammatory processes have emerged as key mediators of pancreatic cancer development and progression. In genetically engi-neered mouse models, induction of pancreatitis accelerates PDAC development, and patients with chronic pancreatitis are known to have a higher risk of develop-ing pancreatic cancer. In recent years, much effort has been given to identify the underlying mechanisms that contribute to inflammation-induced tumorigenesis. Many inflammatory pathways have been identified and inhibitors have been devel-oped in order to prevent cancer development and progression. In this chapter, we discuss the role of inflammatory pathways in the initiation and progression of pan-creatic cancer as well as the role of inhibitors used in treatment and prevention of pancreatic cancer.