Objective To summarize the progress in related basic research of molecular targeted therapy in pancreatic cancer. Method The relevant literatures on oncogenes, epigenome, tumour microenvironment and immunotherapy in recent years at home and abroad were reviewed. ResultsIn basic research, molecularly targeted drugs had shown some efficacy in the treatment of progression of pancreatic cancer, however, in clinical trials, more satisfactory results were not achieved. Conclusion Molecularly targeted therapies for pancreatic cancer are still at a preliminary stage of exploration, and basic research has not yet been effectively translated clinically, which requires further exploration efforts in subsequent studies to provide a more solid and reliable basis for precise treatment of pancreatic cancer and achieve better clinical benefits.