Genomic anomalies in pancreatic tumors other than common adenocarcinoma

In recent years enormous advances have been made in the understanding of the molecular mechanisms governing pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma. However, little is known about other pancreatic neoplasms, which include intraductal papillary mucinous (IPMT), serous cystic (SCT), mucinous cystic (MCT), solid pseudopapillary (SPT), acinar and islet cell tumors. In addition, the study of tumors grouped under the unfortunate term of periampullary cancers will help distinguish the pathogenetic features of these neoplasms, often confused with pancreatic head neoplasms. The available data suggest that the less common pancreatic tumor types do not generally follow the same molecular pathway as the more common ductal carcinoma. IPMT seems to contain chromosomal anomalies similar to those found in ductal cancers, whereas papilla of Vater and duodenal cancers show genetic anomalies resembling those of gastrointestinal malignancies. The application of genome-wide screening techniques to these less common pancreatic tumors will undoubtedly play a central role in unraveling the complexity behind their pathology.