Title:Early Detection and Prevention of Pancreatic Cancer: Use of Genetically Engineered Mouse Models and advanced Imaging Technologies
Volume: 19
Issue: 22
Author(s): A. Mohammed, N. B. Janakiram, S. Lightfoot, H. Gali, A. Vibhudutta and C. V. Rao
Affiliation:
Keywords:
Pancreatic cancer, Imaging modalities, GEM mouse models, Chemoprevention, Drug Development
Abstract: Lack of early detection and effective interventions are major factors contributing to the poor prognosis and dismal survival
rates of pancreatic cancer patients for more than sixty years. Detection of pancreatic cancer at an early stage might permit life-saving
intervention. Clinical and preclinical diagnosis and evaluation of pancreatic cancers involve several imaging technologies including
magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), Positron emission tomography (PET), Computed tomography (CT), Ultrasound (US),
bioluminescent imaging and single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT). The advent of genetically engineered animal
models that recapitulate the cellular and molecular pathology of human pancreatic intraepithelial neoplasia (PanINs) and pancreatic
ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) has not yet yielded translational implications. Although the use of tumor xenografts to predict drug
efficacy in patients has been disappointing, use of novel transgenic mice models should permit improved early detection and
development of drug regimens through integration of appropriate imaging modalities. This review will consider issues that are unique to
working with transgenic mouse models, such as the biology of genetically engineered mouse (GEM) models, stage- tumor-specific
detection using imaging technologies, use of monoclonal antibodies, nanoparticles, and biomarkers, and development of
chemopreventive and chemotherapeutic drugs for PDAC. These issues will be considered in the context of recently developed preclinical
models of pancreatic cancer.