The ‘SPARC’ of life: Analysis of the role of osteonectin/SPARC in pancreatic cancer (Review)

  • Authors:
    • Monica K. Rossi
    • Manu Gnanamony
    • Christopher S. Gondi
  • View Affiliations

  • Published online on: March 4, 2016     https://doi.org/10.3892/ijo.2016.3417
  • Pages: 1765-1771
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Abstract

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is one of the most clinically challenging cancers to manage. An estimated 48,960 people will be diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in 2015, of that population, 94% are projected to perish within 5 years. These dismal survival rates can be attributed, in part, to an advanced diagnosis occurring in 80% of cases. The heterogeneous and dynamic microenvironment of pancreatic cancer, and the lack of both specific risk factors and efficacious screening tools contribute to the challenge of diagnosing pancreatic cancer in its early stages. These clinical challenges have directed research into the unique characteristics that define PDAC. Recently, there has been an increased focus on the interaction of tumor cells with their microenvironment in the hope of identifying new therapeutic targets. One of the most promising avenues in this new vein of research is targeting protein communication between the cancer cells and the extracellular matrix. The secreted protein acidic and rich in cysteine (SPARC) is one such extracellular matrix protein that has shown potential as a therapeutic target due to its influence on PDAC invasion and metastasis. In this review, we discuss the complex interaction of SPARC with PDAC cells and its potential to guide treatment and eventually improve the survival of patients diagnosed with this devastating disease.
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May-2016
Volume 48 Issue 5

Print ISSN: 1019-6439
Online ISSN:1791-2423

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Spandidos Publications style
Rossi MK, Gnanamony M and Gondi CS: The ‘SPARC’ of life: Analysis of the role of osteonectin/SPARC in pancreatic cancer (Review). Int J Oncol 48: 1765-1771, 2016.
APA
Rossi, M.K., Gnanamony, M., & Gondi, C.S. (2016). The ‘SPARC’ of life: Analysis of the role of osteonectin/SPARC in pancreatic cancer (Review). International Journal of Oncology, 48, 1765-1771. https://doi.org/10.3892/ijo.2016.3417
MLA
Rossi, M. K., Gnanamony, M., Gondi, C. S."The ‘SPARC’ of life: Analysis of the role of osteonectin/SPARC in pancreatic cancer (Review)". International Journal of Oncology 48.5 (2016): 1765-1771.
Chicago
Rossi, M. K., Gnanamony, M., Gondi, C. S."The ‘SPARC’ of life: Analysis of the role of osteonectin/SPARC in pancreatic cancer (Review)". International Journal of Oncology 48, no. 5 (2016): 1765-1771. https://doi.org/10.3892/ijo.2016.3417