About this Research Topic

Background

Pancreatic cancer is a highly aggressive disease characterized by late-stage diagnosis, limited treatment options, and poor prognosis. Recent advances in molecular biology and genetics have shed light on the complex molecular heterogeneity and underlying mechanisms of pancreatic cancer, paving the way for the development of novel diagnostic, prognostic, and predictive markers. Identification and validation of reliable molecular markers hold great promise for improving early detection, stratification of patients, and guiding personalized treatment strategies. This Research Topic aims to explore the latest advancements in molecular markers for pancreatic cancers, focusing on their technological advancements and potential applications in clinical practice.

Specifically we encourage submissions on the following themes:

Novel Molecular Markers: This Research Topic focuses on novel molecular markers identified through state-of-the-art technologies, including high-throughput genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics, epigenomics, and metabolomics. Contributions are encouraged on the discovery of specific gene mutations, genetic alterations, gene expression patterns, protein biomarkers, epigenetic modifications, and metabolic signatures that are associated with pancreatic cancer development, progression, and therapeutic responses.

Diagnostic and Prognostic Markers: The integration of molecular markers into routine clinical practice holds the potential to enhance the accuracy of early diagnosis and prognosis of pancreatic cancer. We invite studies that evaluate the clinical utility of molecular markers as diagnostic tools, prognostic indicators, and predictors of treatment response. This includes investigations into liquid biopsies, circulating tumor DNA, and other non-invasive approaches for real-time monitoring and early detection of disease progression.

Predictive Biomarkers and Personalized Medicine: Pancreatic cancer treatment is often challenging due to its heterogeneity and varying responses to therapy. This Research Topic seeks contributions on molecular markers with predictive value, such as genomic signatures, expression profiles, and molecular subtypes that can guide treatment selection and response prediction. Emphasis will be given to studies investigating targeted therapies, immunotherapies, and the integration of molecular markers into clinical decision-making algorithms for personalized treatment strategies.

Translation and Clinical Applications: This Research Topic aims to bridge the gap between basic research and clinical practice. We welcome articles that discuss the challenges and potential implementation strategies for incorporating molecular markers into routine clinical settings. Emphasis will be on studies exploring the feasibility, reliability, and cost-effectiveness of molecular marker assays, along with insights into their integration into clinical trials, guidelines, and precision medicine initiatives.

Manuscripts consisting solely of bioinformatics or computational analysis of public genomic or transcriptomic databases which are not accompanied by validation (independent cohort or biological validation in vitro or in vivo) are out of scope for this section and will not be accepted as part of this Research Topic.

Keywords: Molecular markers, pancreatic cancers, precision medicine, cancer treatment

Important note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.

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