Exploring the link between diabetes and pancreatic cancer |
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Authors: | Margherita Pizzato Federica Turati Valentina Rosato |
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Affiliation: | 1. Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy;2. Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italyhttps://orcid.org/0000-0002-5841-5773;3. Unit of Medical Statistics and Biometry, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori di Milano, Milano, Italyhttps://orcid.org/0000-0003-3123-4072 |
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Abstract: | Introduction: Epidemiological studies indicate an association between type 2 diabetes and pancreatic cancer but the complex and multidirectional relationship between them remains unclear. Areas covered: We summarized epidemiological evidence on diabetes and pancreatic cancer exploring the time–risk relationship. We described mechanisms linking long-standing diabetes to pancreatic cancer. We discussed pancreatic cancer-associated diabetes and its implication in the early detection of pancreatic cancer. Expert opinion: The markedly increased risk of pancreatic cancer in patients with new-onset diabetes compared with long-standing diabetes observed in several epidemiological studies indicates a complex and bidirectional connection, with long-standing diabetes being a predisposing factor for pancreatic cancer (increasing the risk of the malignancy 1.5- to 2-fold) and new-onset diabetes an early manifestation of the tumor. Identifying clinical features and biomarkers to distinguish pancreatic cancer-associated diabetes from type 2 diabetes is an important goal to improve management and survival of this cancer. Imaging (MRI) for middle-age patients with new-onset diabetes may be considered. |
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Keywords: | Pancreatic cancer review type 2 diabetes type 3c diabetes |
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