Gene changes and pancreatic carcinoma: The significance of K-ras

A continuously increasing number of gene changes have been identified in pancreatic cancer. Similar abnormalities, however, have also been detected in other malignancies. The only exception is the high incidence of K-ras point mutation at codon 12. This article examines the significance of K-ras point mutation in pancreatic cancer for the definition of tumor entities, identification of high risk groups, discrimination between inflammatory and neoplastic lesions, and diagnosis of ductal changes with preneoplastic potential.