Peptides in the Diagnosis and Treatment of Pancreatic Cancer and Other Pancreatic Diseases: From Basic Research to Clinical Translation

This review explores the role of peptides in diagnosing and treating pancreatic diseases, particularly pancreatic cancer. Peptides are highlighted for their high binding affinity, minimal immunogenicity, and target specificity. The review discusses advancements in peptide therapeutics, including drug design techniques like backbone cyclization and N-methylation to improve stability, and computational methods such as molecular docking and AI for optimizing target engagement. Innovations like peptide probes for early diagnosis and peptide-drug conjugates for targeted treatment are evaluated for efficacy and safety in preclinical models. The review also examines ongoing clinical trials and emphasizes the need for AI-integrated design and clinical validation to advance peptide technologies in precision medicine.