Clin Cancer Res
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The aggressive behavior and poor prognosis of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is associated with an increased expression of many growth factors and their cognate receptors. We have previously demonstrated the aberrant expression of the Trk receptors (Trks A, B, and C), enhanced tumor stromal expression of neurotrophins in primary PDAC specimens and human PDAC-derived cell lines, and a dose-dependent biological response of PDAC cells (in vitro invasiveness) to selective neurotrophins (Miknyoczki, S. J., et al., Int. ⋯ Significant reductions of in vivo PDAC tumor invasiveness were likewise observed in four of six CEP-701-treated rat tracheal xenografts implanted s.c. in athymic nude mice. The antitumor efficacy of CEP-701 was observed in the absence of pronounced morbidity or toxicity in vivo. Taken together, these data suggest that CEP-701 may be effective as a potential therapeutic agent in the treatment or management of PDAC.