Pancreatic Cancer: Prognosis, Survival Rates, and Key Prognostic Factors

Pancreatic cancer is one of the deadliest neoplasms, with a five-year life expectancy of less than 10%. This type of cancer, predominantly pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), is characterized by late diagnosis and resistance to conventional treatments, contributing to its unfavorable prognosis. Identifying biomarkers and prognostic factors is crucial for improving early detection and personalizing therapeutic strategies, ultimately impacting pancreatic cancer prognosis and survival rates.

Factors Influencing Prognosis and Survival

The prognosis of pancreatic cancer is influenced by multiple factors, including molecular markers, nutritional and inflammatory status, and tumor characteristics. Recent studies have highlighted the role of biomarkers such as GDF15 and LCN2, which show potential for early detection and prognosis of PDAC. These biomarkers, when combined with CA19-9, enhance diagnostic sensitivity and specificity, thereby improving pancreatic tumor survival rates.

Additionally, nutritional status and inflammatory markers, such as the prognostic nutritional index and systemic inflammation index, are critical for assessing the overall condition of the patient and their response to treatment. A study in the Czech Republic and Slovakia emphasizes the importance of these indicators in the survival of pancreatic tumors.

At the molecular level, dysfunction in pathways such as AMPK, MAPK, and Wnt/β-catenin, as well as abnormal regulation of non-coding RNAs, contribute to the progression of pancreatic cancer. Understanding these molecular interactions is essential for developing more effective therapies, as discussed in a recent analysis.

Conclusions

Pancreatic cancer remains a significant challenge in oncology due to its late diagnosis and resistance to treatments. However, integrating new biomarkers and understanding the molecular and nutritional factors influencing its progression can significantly improve the prognosis and survival of patients. Ongoing research in these areas is essential for developing personalized therapeutic strategies that can enhance clinical outcomes.

Referencias

• [1] GDF15 and LCN2 for early detection and prognosis of pancreatic cancer
• [2] Pancreatic cancer - epidemiology, risk factors, nutritional and inflammatory prognostic and predictive factors
• [3] Fundamental insights and molecular interactions in pancreatic cancer: Pathways to therapeutic approaches

Created 13/1/2025