Molecular genetics of exocrine pancreatic neoplasms.

Molecular genetic studies of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma have revealed the common co-existence of K-ras, p53, and MTS1 mutations. The finding of K-ras mutations in epithelial lesions of ducts suggests them as a precursor intraepithelial neoplasm. The clinical importance of this line of work can only be anticipated at present, and a fuller understanding of genetic alterations in these neoplasms is necessary.