The metastatic niche in the liver: tilling the soil for pancreatic cancer progression

Despite new developments in adjuvant and palliative treatment, pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) still has a very poor prognosis. One of the main factors that prevent surgical resection of the tumor in curative intent is metastasis at the time of diagnosis. This perspective article summarizes new insights on the influence of premalignant lesions and PDAC itself on the formation of the metastatic niche in the liver.PC Hermann is supported by a Max Eder Fellowship of the German Cancer Aid [111746], by the Hector Foundation Cancer Research Grant (M.65.1), and Baustein Grants of the University Ulm [PC Hermann (LSBN0097) and A Hann (LSBR.0035)]. B Sainz Jr is supported by a Rámon y Cajal Merit Award from the Ministerio de Economía y Competitividad, Spain, a Clinic and Laboratory Integration Program (CLIP) grant from the Cancer Research Institute, NY, NY, USA (B Sainz Jr) and a Conquer Cancer Now Award from the Concern Foundation, LA, CA, USA (B Sainz Jr).Peer Reviewe