The interface of pancreatic cancer with diabetes, obesity, and inflammation: Research gaps and opportunities: Summary of a national Institute of Diabetes and digestive and kidney diseases workshop

A workshop on “The Interface of Pancreatic Cancer with Diabetes, Obesity, and Inflammation: Research Gaps and Opportunities” was held by the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases on October 12, 2017. The purpose of the workshop was to explore the relationship and possible mechanisms of the increased risk of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) related to diabetes, the role of altered intracellular energy metabolism in PDAC, the mechanisms and biomarkers of diabetes caused by PDAC, the mechanisms of the increased risk of PDAC associated with obesity, and the role of inflammatory events and mediators as contributing causes of the development of PDAC. Workshop faculty reviewed the state of the current knowledge in these areas and made recommendations for future research efforts. Further knowledge is needed to elucidate the basic mechanisms contributing to the role of hyperinsulinemia, hyperglycemia, adipokines, and acute and chronic inflammatory events on the development of PDAC.