Inhibition of pancreatic intraepithelial neoplasia progression to carcinoma by nitric oxide-releasing aspirin in p48(Cre/+)-LSL-Kras(G12D/+) mice.

Nitric oxide-releasing aspirin (NO-aspirin) represents a novel class of promising chemopreventive agents. Unlike conventional nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, NO-aspirin seems to be free of adverse effects while retaining the beneficial activities of its parent compound. The effect of NO-aspirin on pancreatic carcinogenesis was investigated by assessing the development of precursor pancreatic lesions and adenocarcinomas in Kras(G12D/+) transgenic mice that recapitulate human pancreatic cancer progression.

Early detection and prevention of pancreatic cancer: use of genetically engineered mouse models and advanced imaging technologies.

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).