PPARδ Expression and Prognosis in Resected Pancreatic Cancer: A Retrospective Single-Centre Study

Background: Pancreatic cancer remains one of the most lethal malignancies, with limited curative options and poor long-term outcomes. Nuclear receptors, including PPAR{delta}, have been implicated in tumour progression. Methods: Retrospectively, we analysed 25 resected pancreatic cancer specimens from patients undergoing Whipple!s procedure (pancreatoduodenectomy) between 2000 and 2009. Immunohistochemistry was performed for PPAR{delta}. Tumour and stromal staining were assessed and correlated with clinicopathological features and survival data. Results: PPAR{delta} expression was observed in the majority of samples. This preliminary analysis suggests that PPAR{delta} expression is associated with adverse clinicopathological features and poorer survival. Conclusions: PPAR{delta} immunohistochemistry may identify a subset of pancreatic cancers with more aggressive biology. Larger studies are warranted to validate these findings.