Chronic Pancreatitis, Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency, and Pancreatic Cancer: Clinical Advances and Challenges

This chapter reviews the pathogenesis, diagnostic evaluation, and clinical management of chronic pancreatitis and exocrine pancreatic insufficiency, including the role of endoscopic and surgical drainage procedures and the principles of pancreatic enzyme replacement therapy. It further addresses the complex relationship between chronic pancreatic inflammation and pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma, examining advances in early detection biomarkers, molecular oncology, and systemic therapy — including FOLFIRINOX and gemcitabine-based regimens — for locally advanced and metastatic disease.