A review of the etiology and biomarkers of pancreatic cancer, with emphasis on the role of diabetes

Cancer is the major cause of death in the world and the rate of mortality is higher in developed countries. Therefore, lifestyle could be effective in promoting the cancer. The pancreatic tumors, are 8th cause of mortality due to cancer, which have several types, among them ductal adenocarcinoma is the most common and includes 85% of cases. Since, it is almost impossible to diagnosis the tumor in early stages of the disease, it contributes to high rates of mortality, although if it diagnosis in early stage and the surgery performed for them only 10-20% of patients will be survived. Metastasis occurs when the tumor is smaller than 2 cm in size and because the pancreas is located in the depth of abdomen, typically, it happens after tumor is spread to other organs. A combination of medical imaging, blood tests, and examination of tissue samples are usually made for diagnosis and based on the cancer stage, surgery, radiotherapy and chemotherapy are chosen as treatment options. Some rare genetic variations can cause pancreatic cancer and about 5-10% of cases are linked to inherited genes. However, major risk factors are including age, obesity, tobacco smoking and diabetes. Smoking counts for about 25% of cases, and the diabetes is the main symptoms of pancreatic cancer, which observed in about 80% of cases. But, it is still unclear whether diabetes is a predisposing factor in pancreatic cancer, or the outcome of tumor progression. Recent studies have shown that, diabetes is unique in pancreatic cancer which is not related to common types. Currently, CA 19-9 is the only reliable tumor marker for pancreatic cancer that its frequency also increases in non-bad conditions, such as pancreatitis and obstructive jaundice, so is not sensitive and specific enough for diagnosis of this cancer. Due to researches continue to find more specific markers. In this review the etiology of pancreatic cancer, diabetes associated with this type of cancer and significant biomarkers for diagnosis will be considered.