Work

Current and emerging strategies to enhance chemotherapeutic efficacy in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma

Year: 2026

Type: review

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Pancreatic cancer remains one of the most aggressive solid malignancies. The majority of patients present with locally advanced or metastatic disease, limiting treatment options to systemic chemotherapy. Conventional chemotherapy forms the backbone of the standard-of-care regimen and offers modest but significant survival benefits. MAIN BODY: This review discusses currently established standard-of-care regimens and cutting edge clinical trials which aim to enhance chemotherapy efficacy in pancreatic cancer. Pancreatic cancer's distinct pathological features-including its high metastatic potential, inherent chemoresistance, dense desmoplastic stroma, and profoundly immunosuppressive tumour microenvironment-underscore the rationale for the clinical development of chemosensitizing agents. As mechanisms of chemoresistance continue to be uncovered, new therapeutic avenues are emerging that aim to enhance the efficacy of chemotherapy. Emerging targets including KRAS, MTAP, EGFR, Claudin 18.2, and WEE1, which present unique vulnerabilities for rational combination therapies, are discussed. CONCLUSION: Given the central role of chemotherapy in pancreatic cancer treatment, ongoing clinical strategies that improve its efficacy are essential to achieving better outcomes for patients.

Source: BMC Medicine

DOI: 10.1186/s12916-026-05134-x

Authors: David Hackett, Laura E. Kane, Adriele Prina-Mello, Stephen G. Maher

Institution: Trinity College Dublin

Language: English

Topic: Pancreatic and Hepatic Oncology Research

Subfield: Oncology

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $4,190