Reshaping the Tumor Stroma for Treatment of Pancreatic Cancer

Gastroenterology. 2018 Mar;154(4):820-838. doi: 10.1053/j.gastro.2017.11.280. Epub 2017 Dec 26.

Abstract

Pancreatic cancer is accompanied by a fibrotic reaction that alters interactions between tumor cells and the stroma to promote tumor progression. Consequently, strategies to target the tumor stroma might be used to treat patients with pancreatic cancer. We review recently developed approaches for reshaping the pancreatic tumor stroma and discuss how these might improve patient outcomes. We also describe relationships between the pancreatic tumor extracellular matrix, the vasculature, the immune system, and metabolism, and discuss the implications for the development of stromal compartment-specific therapies.

Keywords: Diagnostic Tool; Invasion; Metastasis; Pancreatic Cancer; Patient-Derived Models; Stromal Remodeling.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Antineoplastic Agents / therapeutic use*
  • Biomarkers, Tumor / metabolism
  • Cell Communication / drug effects
  • Energy Metabolism / drug effects
  • Extracellular Matrix / drug effects*
  • Extracellular Matrix / immunology
  • Extracellular Matrix / metabolism
  • Extracellular Matrix / pathology
  • Humans
  • Molecular Targeted Therapy
  • Pancreatic Neoplasms / drug therapy*
  • Pancreatic Neoplasms / immunology
  • Pancreatic Neoplasms / metabolism
  • Pancreatic Neoplasms / pathology
  • Signal Transduction / drug effects
  • Stromal Cells / drug effects*
  • Stromal Cells / immunology
  • Stromal Cells / metabolism
  • Stromal Cells / pathology
  • Tumor Microenvironment*

Substances

  • Antineoplastic Agents
  • Biomarkers, Tumor