Experimental models andin vitrosystems allow study of mechanisms of pancreatic carcinogenesis and autonomous growth in carcinomas and identification of growth-promoting and inhibiting agents. Three new models in dog, hamster, and transgenic mice are described. New studies reaffirm a role for c-K-rasmutation in the development of carcinomas in the hamster but not in the rat pancreas. New dietary studies reaffirm a role for fat (fatty acid) as a promoter in the rat model, and demonstrate inhibition of pancreatic carcinogenesis in the hamster model by dietary supplements of p-carotene, vitamin C, selenium, and phenolic antioxidants. In several studies, effects of peptide hormones or their analogues on the growth of pancreatic carcinoma cell lines were correlated with the presence of appropriate receptors.