Published online Oct 15, 2018. doi: 10.4251/wjgo.v10.i10.317
Peer-review started: May 30, 2018
First decision: July 3, 2018
Revised: July 13, 2018
Accepted: August 12, 2018
Article in press: August 13, 2018
Published online: October 15, 2018
Pancreatic cancer is a lethal malignancy, whose precursor lesions are pancreatic intraepithelial neoplasm, intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm, intraductal tubulopapillary neoplasm, and mucinous cystic neoplasm. To better understand the biology of pancreatic cancer, it is fundamental to know its precursors and to study the mechanisms of carcinogenesis. Each of these precursors displays peculiar histological features, as well as specific molecular alterations. Starting from such pre-invasive lesions, this review aims at summarizing the most important aspects of carcinogenesis of pancreatic cancer, with a specific focus on the recent advances and the future perspectives of the research on this lethal tumor type.
Core tip: Pancreatic intraepithelial neoplasm, intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm, intraductal tubulopapillary neoplasm, and mucinous cystic neoplasm are precursor lesions of invasive pancreatic cancer. Each of these precursors displays peculiar histological and molecular features, which have been summarized in this review along with the most important aspects of pancreatic carcinogenesis. The most recent advances and the future perspectives of the research on this topic have also been highlighted.