Dec 2, 2024 - By Erin Post A device already approved to treat several other types of cancer has shown positive results for a subset of patients with pancreatic cancer. In a Phase III clinical trial, a therapy known as Tumor Treating Fields (TTFields) increased survival for patients whose pancreatic cancer had not spread to other organs but cannot be removed by surgery, when used in combination with chemotherapy. “We are encouraged to see these results from the PANOVA-3 trial and are grateful to the company Novocure for evaluating their TTFields in unresectable, locally advanced pancreatic ade ..read more

Nov 21, 2024 - By Carly Eskin The Rogers lost their matriarch, Renee, to pancreatic cancer 11 years ago. And for 11 years, her husband Denny, along with their children and others, have organized Renee’s Run events, held in Renee’s honor, raising major funds and awareness for PanCAN. We were lucky to catch up with one of their daughters, Nicolette, who graciously answered our burning questions about what it’s like to turn your passion into progress for patients and caregivers affected by pancreatic cancer. We’re grateful to the entire Rogers family for their passion and dedication to ending th ..read more

Nov 19, 2024 - By Carly Eskin Matthew Rose lost his mother, Estelle, to pancreatic cancer in 2012. He lost his sister to ovarian cancer years before that. Both were BRCA2 positive. Now the media chair for the Los Angeles Affiliate, Matthew volunteers with PanCAN in his mom and sister’s honor, spreading the word about the importance of genetic testing – he’s since tested negative for the mutation. Thank you, Matthew, for creating a world where everyone affected by pancreatic cancer will thrive. PanCAN: Tell us a little about yourself. Matthew: My name is Matthew Rose, I produce unscripted tele ..read more

Nov 19, 2024 - By Anna Berkenblit, MD, MMSc Editor’s note: November is Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month, an opportunity to shine a light on one of the deadliest cancers. This year, the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network (PanCAN) is raising awareness about early detection of pancreatic cancer over this entire month. This is the first article in a new “Research Spotlight” series written by Chief Scientific and Medical Officer, Anna Berkenblit, MD, MMSc. People whose pancreatic cancer is diagnosed at an early stage have better outcomes. That’s because if it is caught early enough, pancreatic canc ..read more

Nov 11, 2024 - By Allison Rosenzweig, PhD For decades, one of the biggest challenges facing the cancer research community has been finding a way to therapeutically target RAS, the most common oncogene in human cancer. An oncogene is a gene that codes for a protein that is normally found in healthy cells that, when mutated or otherwise altered, contributes to the cells becoming cancerous. Approximately 30% of all solid tumors express a RAS mutation, with a staggering 95% of pancreatic tumors thought to be driven by mutations in a specific type of RAS, known as KRAS. Following its discovery mor ..read more

Oct 31, 2024 - By PanCAN Guest Contributor With November comes World Pancreatic Cancer Day. But did you know that wasn’t always the case? In fact, this year we’re celebrating the 10th anniversary of World Pancreatic Cancer Day (WPCD) and the beginning of the World Pancreatic Cancer Coalition (WPCC). World Pancreatic Cancer Coalition Leadership in New York City In 2013, pancreatic cancer patient advocacy organizations from around the world came together to discuss working collaboratively to raise global pancreatic cancer awareness and work to support each other’s efforts. That next year, WPC ..read more

Oct 31, 2024 - By Nicolas Clifford People of Ashkenazi Jewish descent are at higher risk of developing pancreatic cancer because they are more likely than other groups to have a BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutation. These mutations increases a person’s lifetime risk of developing pancreatic cancer and some other cancer types.  Knowing your risk can help lead to earlier detection and better outcomes for people who will be diagnosed. Here, we take a close look at BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutations and strategies to manage risk.  What is the connection between pancreatic cancer and Ashkenazi Jewish ancestry ..read more

Oct 29, 2024 - By Erin Post As a surgeon and director of the Elkins Pancreas Center at Baylor College of Medicine, William Fisher, MD, knows how important it is to diagnose pancreatic cancer as early as possible – to give patients every chance at a successful outcome. For decades, he’s been leading research to find an early detection strategy that is effective. “I’m hopeful that there is lead time that we can gain with pancreas cancer,” he said. “The symptoms of pancreas cancer are vague, and by the time you have symptoms, it’s often pretty advanced disease. We’ve got to find it in its asympt ..read more

Oct 25, 2024 - By Erin Post An energetic, lively, bubbly personality. A motto to “make friends with everyone.” A man committed to living life with purpose, encouraging his family to do the same. Avito Moniz was all of this and more to his children, Ryan and Lauren Moniz. They lost their father to pancreatic cancer in September 2023. He was 73 years old. “It came as a shock to all of us, his four kids and his extended family,” said Ryan of his father’s diagnosis. “And he wanted more time. He sought treatment and received it and had some magical experiences in the last nine months before his pa ..read more

Oct 23, 2024 - By Anna Berkenblit, MD, MMSc Editor’s note: PanCAN was pleased to welcome Dr. Anna Berkenblit as the organization’s first Chief Scientific and Medical Officer in April of this year. Here, Dr. Berkenblit shares her experience and insights after attending her first PanCAN Scientific Summit in Boston in September. The PanCAN Scientific Summit is an annual event that brings together our active grantees, Scientific & Medical Advisory Board (SMAB) members, Industry Champions, patient research advocates, and other special guests in a welcoming space to share data and ideas. Prior ..read more