Contribution of epithelial-mesenchymal transition to pancreatic cancer progression

Pancreatic adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is one of the most lethal human malignancies, with median survival of less than one year and overall five-year survival of less than 5%. There is increasing evidence demonstrating that epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) contributes to pancreatic cancer metastasis and to treatment resistance. In this review, we will examine the data demonstrating the role and regulation of EMT in pancreatic cancer progression, focusing particularly on the transcription factors and microRNAs involved in EMT. We will examine how EMT is involved in the generation and maintenance of stem cells, and the role of EMT in modulating resistance of PDAC cells to drug therapies. We will also identify putative EMT-targeting agents that may help to reduce the morbidity and mortality associated with pancreatic cancer.