Hormones and pancreatic cancer.

Several polypeptide hormones have been demonstrated to stimulate or inhibit cell division in the cells of the pancreas. Therefore, receptors for these hormones have been sought in pancreatic carcinomas, and several examples have been reported. In some instances, stimulation of tumor growth by the corresponding peptide has been demonstrated or growth was blocked by a receptor antagonist. Receptors and binding proteins for steroid hormones also have been reported in carcinomas of the pancreas. In experimental carcinogenesis, the growth of preneoplastic lesions and incidence of neoplasms have been influenced by both peptide and steroid hormones in some species. Experimental manipulation of sex steroid hormones has yielded both inhibition and enhancement of growth of human and rat pancreatic cancers, but thus far, clinical trials have failed to document advantageous approaches for steroid or antihormonal therapy. These observations imply that trophic or growth-inhibiting polypeptide and steroid hormones may serve as promoters or inhibitors of carcinogenesis in the pancreas, and may influence the growth of established carcinomas. Receptor blockers may provide a clinical approach for slowing the growth of some cancers.