Exploiting molecular targets in pancreatic cancer.

Oncology has entered an era of molecular therapy. Given the multitude of molecular defects involved with pancreatic carcinogenesis, invasion, and metastasis, it is unlikely that single-agent targeted therapy will alter the course of this disease. Given the emergence of molecular targets and a growing number of agents available for clinical development, however, meaningful improvements in patient outcomes are expected, particularly if treatments are designed and delivered rationally.