Novel approaches in development for the treatment of pancreatic cancer.

Pancreatic adenocarcinomas are among the most resistant neoplasms to conventional chemotherapeutics. This has prompted intense investigations of novel non-cytotoxic agents based on new understandings of the molecular pathobiology of human malignancies. This review will focus on the potential uses of three new classes of agents: farnesyl transferase (FTPase) inhibitors, matrix metalloproteinase inhibitors (MMPI's) and antibodies to the HER-2/neu oncogene. When used as single agents, FTPase inhibitors and MMPI's may be cytostatic, helping to delay the growth of these cancers. All three classes of agents may have the greatest benefit when used in conjunction with traditional anticancer modalities. The biology of these agents will reviewed.