Objective Pancreatic cancer is a highly aggressive malignancy that has been resistant to treatment. Advances in cancer genetics have improved our understanding of this disease, but the genetics of pancreatic cancer remain poorly understood. A better understanding of the pathogenic role of specific gene mutations and core signaling pathways would propel the development of more effective treatments. The objective in this review was to highlight recent research that shows promise for new treatments for pancreatic cancer. Data sources All articles cited in this review were mainly searched from PubMed, which were published in English from 1993 to 2009. Study selection Original articles and critical reviews selected were relevant to the molecular mechanisms of pancreatic cancer. Results Dysregulation of core signaling pathways and processes through frequently genetic alterations can explain the major features of pancreatic tumorigenesis. New therapeutic targets based on recent research are emerging that hold promise for the future management of pancreatic cancer. Conclusion New agents used in conjunction with standard radiotherapy and chemotherapy might help to overcome drug resistance by targeting multiple signaling pathways to induce responsiveness of pancreatic cancer cells to death signals.