The role of pancreatic and nonpancreatic hormones in normal pancreatic function and growth

Abstract

To come further in the understanding of this disease it is essential to understand the biology of the disease and to evaluate the pronounced metabolic disturbances observed in patients with pancreatic cancer~ Almost no other malignant disease has a more powerful impact on body metabolism and composition than pancreatic cancer, especially if related to tumor size. A marked weight-loss often seen and the mortality is more often associated with cachexia rather than to carcinomatosis per se. Studies at our institution indicate that the tumor's endocrine activity plays an important role in the biology of pancreatic carcinoma. This is indicated by the fact that up to 80% of the patients with pancreatic carcinoma have an impaired glucose tolerance at diagnosis (3). The present workshop with the title "Endocrine aspects of exocrine pancreatic cancer" will highlight the current knowledge of pancreatic hormones and growth factors in relation to pancreatic cancer.