The impact of pancreatic fat infiltration on immune environment and pancreatic cancer

Pancreatic fat infiltration (PFI) is increasingly recognized as a significant factor influencing the pathophysiology of pancreatic diseases, including pancreatic cancer. This review aims to elucidate the alterations in the immune environment associated with PFI and their subsequent impact on pancreatic cancer development, progression, and treatment outcomes. Current research indicates that PFI leads to a pro-inflammatory immune milieu, characterized by increased infiltration of immune cells such as macrophages and T cells, which may promote tumorigenesis. Furthermore, the altered immune environment due to PFI has been shown to affect the efficacy of conventional therapies and the prognosis of pancreatic cancer patients. The review also explores the implications of PFI on the effectiveness of immunotherapy, highlighting the need for tailored therapeutic strategies. By synthesizing recent findings, this review underscores the importance of considering PFI in the clinical management of pancreatic cancer and calls for further research to develop targeted interventions that address the unique challenges posed by PFI.