Since enhanced expression of MKP-1 and SGK-1 has been recently described to be involved in DEX-induced resistance in established breast cancer cell lines [15], we examined expression of these pro-survival molecules in pancreatic cancer cells by Western blot analysis together with expression of the anti-apoptotic molecules X-IAP and Bcl-2. The gene discussed is DUSP1; the disease is pancreatic neoplasm.