Inhibition of Survival Pathways MAPK and NF-kB Triggers Apoptosis in Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma Cells via Suppression of Autophagy.

Background: Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is an aggressive disease with a survival rate of 4-6 months from diagnosis. PDAC is the fourth leading cause of cancer-related death in the Western world, with a mortality rate of 10 cases per 100,000 population. Chemotherapy constitutes only a palliative strategy, with limited effects on life expectancy.

Interplay between autophagy and apoptosis in pancreatic tumors in response to gemcitabine.

Pancreatic cancer is an aggressive disease. Its incidence has increased over the last two decades. It is currently the fourth cause of death among cancers in the western world.