Role of CXCR2 Ligands/CXCR2 Biological Axis in Pancreatic Cancer

Role of CXCR2 Ligands/CXCR2 Biological Axis in Pancreatic Cancer

The investigators hypothesize that the CXCR2 ligands/CXCR2 biological axis plays an important role in promoting angiogenesis in PC; and that the genetic changes and the microenvironment of the tumor regulate the expression of CXCR2 ligands/CXCR2 in PC in order to potentiate their angiogenic phenotype. A corollary of this hypothesis is that the cell surface receptors (CXCR2) and the intracellular signaling pathways that mediate the angiogenic responses induced by ELR+ CXC-chemokines are potential targets for novel therapeutic interventions in PC.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Normal subjects - No documented clinical history of pancreatic diseases supported by at least 1 negative imaging test. (EUS, Ct scan or MRI)
• Chronic pancreatitis - Documented diagnosis of moderate to advanced chronic supported bpancreatitisy at least 1 positive imaging test. (EUS, Ct scan or MRI)
• Pancreatic Cancer - Documented tissue diagnosis (or clinical suspicion) of Pancreatic Cancer.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Exclusion criteria will include age younger than 18 yrs, pregnancy, previous pancreatic or gastric resection, and inability to tolerate routine endoscopy with conscious sedation