Histology and Pathology of Pancreatic Cancer

Dear Colleagues,

Pancreatic cancer is a heterogeneous group of malignant epithelial neoplasms arising from the pancreas. Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDA) is the most common type of pancreatic cancer and is the third leading cause of cancer death in the U.S., with a dismal 12% five-year survival rate. There are many recent developments in molecular classifications, candidate targetable molecular alterations, and the important role of tumor microenvironment in pancreatic cancer. Specifically, we learn that PDAs can be molecularly classified into classical and basal subtypes, with the latter subtype carrying a much worse prognosis and less treatment response. Identifying mismatch repair protein deficient PDAs, BRCA1/2 or PALB2-mutated PDAs, and PDAs with NTRK fusion provided new biomarkers to guide therapy. Additionally, classifications of pancreatic neuroendocrine neoplasms and cystic intraductal neoplasms have been recently updated due to new molecular and clinical findings.

It is crucial to understand the interaction between PDA cells and their surroundings. Increasing evidence supports the importance of the tumor microenvironment in PDA progression and immune evasion. PDA cells interact with heterogenous cancer-associated fibroblasts, immune cells, adipocytes, endothelial, dendritic, and other cells in the tumor microenvironment to facilitate tumor growth. Cytokines, metabolites, and other signaling molecules in the tumor microenvironment also promote tumor development and maintenance.

This Special Issue will spotlight the latest advances in the histology and pathology of pancreatic cancer, focusing on the new classifications, prognosis and treatment biomarkers, and the role of the tumor microenvironment

Dr. Jiaqi Shi
Dr. Olca Basturk
Guest Editors

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• pancreatic cancer
• pathology
• classification
• molecular mechanisms
• tumor microenvironment