Growth factors and oncogenes in pancreatic cancer.

There are abnormalities in the structure and/or function of several oncogenes and growth factors in human pancreatic cancer, notably the EGF receptor and its ligand TGF alpha, c-erb B-2 proto-oncogene, Ki-ras oncogene and the tumour suppressor gene p53. The temporal sequence of their activation and the nature of the aetiological agents responsible for their activation are not yet clear. In vitro pancreatic culture systems and transgenic animal experiments are needed to reconstruct and define those molecular events that are necessary and sufficient for the neoplastic phenotype.