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Pancreatic Cancer and Inflammation

Department of Dermatology, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin, Madison WI 53706

*Corresponding Author: 

Vaqar Mustafa Adhami

1300 University Ave.

Medical Sciences Center, 4385

Madison, WI 53706

Phone: 608-262-6389

Fax: 608-263-5223

E-mail address: vmadhami@wisc.edu

Abstract

The association between cancer and inflammation is arguably undeniable. However, it is uncertain whether inflammation leads to cancer development or oncogenic changes result in inflammatory conditions. Regardless of the debate surrounding this argument, inflammation in the immediate vicinity of the tumor promotes its development and makes inflammatory markers attractive targets both for prevention as well as treatment. This review discusses the role of inflammation in pancreatic cancer, one of the most lethal cancers with the lowest survival rates. Risk factors associated with pancreatic cancer have an underlying inflammatory pathology. The mechanisms that influence cellular damage including signaling pathways in pancreatitis and pancreatic cancer will be briefly discussed.

Key words: Inflammation; Pancreatic Cancer; Pancreatitis, Smoking; Alcohol; Obesity.

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