Tao ZT, Xu L, Chen YL, Gong B. Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma developing from hereditary pancreatitis: A case report. World J Gastrointest Oncol 2026; 18(3): 116436 [DOI: 10.4251/wjgo.v18.i3.116436]
Corresponding Author of This Article
Biao Gong, Department of Gastroenterology, Shuguang Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, No. 528 Zhangheng Road, Pudong New Area, Shanghai 201203, China. gbercp@163.com
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Gastroenterology & Hepatology
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Case Report
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Mar 15, 2026 (publication date) through Mar 12, 2026
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World Journal of Gastrointestinal Oncology
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1948-5204
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Tao ZT, Xu L, Chen YL, Gong B. Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma developing from hereditary pancreatitis: A case report. World J Gastrointest Oncol 2026; 18(3): 116436 [DOI: 10.4251/wjgo.v18.i3.116436]
World J Gastrointest Oncol. Mar 15, 2026; 18(3): 116436 Published online Mar 15, 2026. doi: 10.4251/wjgo.v18.i3.116436
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma developing from hereditary pancreatitis: A case report
Zhu-Ting Tao, Li Xu, You-Lan Chen, Biao Gong
Zhu-Ting Tao, Li Xu, Biao Gong, Department of Gastroenterology, Shuguang Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 201203, China
You-Lan Chen, Institute of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine Digestive Diseases, Shuguang Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 201203, China
Co-first authors: Zhu-Ting Tao and Li Xu.
Co-corresponding authors: You-Lan Chen and Biao Gong.
Author contributions: Tao ZT and Xu L performed the literature review and drafted the manuscript, they contributed equally to this article, they are the co-first authors of this manuscript; Chen YL and Gong B contributed to supervision and editing, they contributed equally to this article, they are the co-corresponding authors of this manuscript; and all authors approved the submitted version.
Supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China, No. 82574749; and Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine Affiliated Shuguang Hospital “Siming Fund” Project, No. SGKJ-202401.
Informed consent statement: Informed written consent was obtained from the patient for publication of this report and any accompanying images.
Conflict-of-interest statement: All the authors report no relevant conflicts of interest for this article.
CARE Checklist (2016) statement: The authors have read the CARE Checklist (2016), and the manuscript was prepared and revised according to the CARE Checklist (2016).
Corresponding author: Biao Gong, Department of Gastroenterology, Shuguang Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, No. 528 Zhangheng Road, Pudong New Area, Shanghai 201203, China. gbercp@163.com
Received: November 12, 2025 Revised: December 9, 2025 Accepted: January 15, 2026 Published online: March 15, 2026 Processing time: 120 Days and 19.3 Hours
Abstract
BACKGROUND
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is a highly lethal and aggressive malignancy. Although most cases are sporadic, hereditary pancreatitis (HP) represents an important predisposing condition. The substantial overlap in clinical symptoms and imaging findings between chronic pancreatitis and early PDAC often leads to diagnostic delay and missed opportunities for timely intervention.
CASE SUMMARY
A 53-year-old woman with genetically confirmed HP experienced recurrent episodes of pancreatitis and underwent multiple endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography procedures. She was later admitted for evaluation of a markedly elevated carbohydrate antigen 19-9 level and diagnosed with PDAC. Surgical management included distal pancreatectomy, sigmoid colectomy, and total splenectomy, followed by six cycles of adjuvant chemotherapy. Postoperatively, tumor markers normalized, and clinical recovery was achieved.
CONCLUSION
For individuals with HP, lifelong surveillance and early intervention before malignant progression are strongly recommended.
Core Tip: Hereditary pancreatitis significantly increases the lifetime risk of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma and presents diagnostic challenges because of overlapping clinical and imaging features with chronic pancreatitis. Early recognition of hereditary pancreatitis as a cancer-predisposing condition, comprehensive germline testing, and individualized surveillance combining imaging and biomarker assessment are crucial. Timely intervention and multidisciplinary management can improve outcomes in this high-risk population.
