Molecular Pathology and Methylation Assessment in Pancreatic Cancer; New Approach in Diagnosis and Treatment

Abstract

Pancreatic cancer is one of the deadliest cancers in world. Patient survival is less than 5%. However, early diagnosis of this cancer is very essential. In this article, we studied molecular pathology, epigenetic change in pancreatic cancer, and discussed the effect of methylation in inception and development of pancreatic cancer. By studying and identifying the genes methylated in this cancer, we can utilize them as biomarkers to be used to diagnose this cancer in a timely manner. Pancreatic cancer is realized as a multistage process characterized by the accumulation of genetic alterations companioned by typical histological conversion in pancreatic ductal cells. DNA methylation is one of the key changes in epigenetics in DNA structure. DNA methylation pattern as biomarker has explicit applications in diagnosis of cancers. Extensive disturbances of DNA methylation have been observed in cancer, causing changes in regulation of gene expression, developing oncogenesis. Understanding both epigenetic changes and DNA mutations promises for improving the characterization of malignancy to predict prognosis and treatment response. By recognition and understanding of molecular pathways and gene changes in this cancer, numerous drugs have been tested for targeted treatment that will allow identifying whole methylation patterns to recognize biomarkers for prognosis and early diagnosis of this cancer in future. By identifying pathways and aberrant methylation, screening and diagnosis are more and more necessary at early stages.