Fig. 4. Scheme of cancer initiation from inflammation in pancreas.

Generally, pancreatic duct cells contain progenitors differentiating into acinar and endocrine cells. In response to pancreatitis, immune system is activated and form the microenvironment of inflammation with cytokines and growth factors. Once the inflammation becomes chronic, the microenvironment turns to CIN converting the progenitors into CSCs, which in turn lead to tumour development.