Molecular Signatures of Pancreatic Cancer

N Context.—The introduction of genome- and epigenome-wide screening techniques has dramatically improved our understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying the development of pancreatic cancer. There are now 3 recognized histologic precursors of pancreatic cancer: pancreatic intraepithelial neoplasia, intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm, and mucinous cystic neoplasm. Each of these precursor lesions is associated with specific molecular alterations. Objective.—To understand the molecular characteristics of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma and its precursor lesions. Data Sources.—PubMed (US National Library of Med-icine). Conclusions.—In this review, we briefly summariz