It should be noted that PI3K/Akt has been found upregulated in 59% of patients with pancreatic cancer, while BKM120 has been already used in studies employing mouse models or is currently being administered in phase I clinical trials for the treatment of patients with solid tumors, such as pancreatic, colon and breast tumors34–37, where GDF15 serum levels are found elevated16. The gene discussed is GDF15; the disease is familial pancreatic carcinoma.