New Developments in the Diagnosis and Treatment of Pancreatic Cancer

The prognosis of pancreatic cancer is poor. Less than 5% of patients diagnosed with pancreatic cancer survive more than 5 years. Generally, the advanced stage, the late diagnosis and the poor therapeutic options are assumed to be responsible for this poor prognosis. Nonetheless, in recent years our knowledge of the pathogenesis of pancreatic cancer has dramatically improved and will give rise to new therapeutic options based on molecular alterations, which contribute to pancreatic carcinogenesis. Furthermore, new diagnostic procedures offer a new perspective towards a better and earlier diagnostic management of these individuals affected with this malignancy.