UNIONDALE, N.Y., January 9, 2025 — The Lustgarten Foundation announced a new grant today, awarded to Nina Steele, PhD, and Howard Crawford, PhD, of the Henry Ford Pancreatic Cancer Center at Henry Ford Health.

The scope of previous research to understand variations in the underlying biology of patients with pancreatic cancer has been limited and has not sufficiently addressed historically under-represented patients, including Black African Americans.

Based in Detroit, where 77% of the population identifies as Black or African American, Henry Ford Health is nationally recognized for its commitment to inclusive research endeavors that address healthcare disparities, develop new treatments, and identify ways to prevent and understand disease.

Dr. Steele and Dr. Crawford, who respectively serve as Assistant Scientist and Scientific Director at the Henry Ford Pancreatic Cancer Center, will lead an important research project titled “Mapping Stromal Evolution and Immune Suppression in the First Racially Diverse Human Pancreatic Cancer Spatial Genome Atlas.”  The studywill address the current deficiency of existing databases where Black African American representation is only 2%.

The research will build on Dr. Steele’s recently published single-cell atlas, which compiled data from more than 200 patients with pancreatic cancer. Only 4 of the samples in the atlas were contributed by Black African American patients.

“The striking lack of representation in pancreatic cancer databases is unacceptable,” said Dr. Steele, an expert in state-of-the-art single cell and spatial transcriptomic analyses. “This study takes a transformative first step to close this gap and provides a valuable resource for the cancer community. Thank you to the Lustgarten Foundation for supporting this grant and prioritizing diversity within patient data.”

The researchers will analyze tissue from pancreatic tumors before treatment and after treatment to understand the biology that drives tumor growth, response, and resistance to treatment and what causes different responses in different patients.

“The tools used to study pancreatic cancer, including cell models and genomic data, are most often taken from studies of White patients, making it impossible to extrapolate this information and apply the findings to non-White patients,” said Dr. Crawford, whose previous Lustgarten-funded work analyzed existing tumor samples to determine if genomic and cellular differences could account for the higher rates and poorer outcomes of pancreatic cancer in Black African Americans.

This new body of research will include sequencing data from 75 Black African American and 75 White patients. Approximately 80% of pancreatic cancer patients are diagnosed when the disease is already metastatic, and thus longitudinal patient-matched tissue samples are extremely rare.

The collaborative Steele and Crawford teams have already identified many genes expressed differently in Black African American patients versus White patients.

Dr. Steele’s team screened over 3000 pancreatic cancer patients in their de-identified database and identified tissue samples within their cohort in Detroit (26 total, 8 from Black African American individuals) representing different stages of disease presentation, including at diagnosis, after surgery, and after the cancer has spread, and will study how the tumor microenvironment changes in the same patient over time. Collectively, the research from this newly generated diverse atlas and unique longitudinal cohort will provide essential molecular data from a racially diverse pancreatic cancer patient population.

“The Lustgarten Foundation is dedicated to advancing the best science to transform pancreatic cancer into a curable disease for every patient population,” said Linda Tantawi, Lustgarten Foundation CEO. “Through ground-breaking research like Drs. Steele and Crawford’s, we hope to increase our understanding of the biological mechanisms contributing to pancreatic cancer in racially diverse groups and provide more hope, and more treatment options, to patients across all backgrounds.” The Lustgarten Foundation recognizes that solving the complex problem of pancreatic cancer requires a diversity of thought, education, training, background, and experience of the scientists investigating the disease, as well as diversity within patient data and those participating in clinical studies. Learn more about the Lustgarten Foundation’s other research initiatives focused on equity, diversity, and accessibility, the Career Development Awards Honoring Ruth Bader Ginsburg and John Robert Lewis, and the Lustgarten Equity, Accessibility, and Diversity (LEAD) Grant Program.

On January 22, join us for an exclusive update as Lustgarten’s Vice President of Research, Andrew Rakeman, PhD, Chief Scientist David Tuveson, MD, PhD, and Chief Medical Advisor Elizabeth Jaffee, MD, share insights into groundbreaking advancements and the exciting road ahead in pancreatic cancer research.

Dr. David Slavin

In September 2017, Dr. David Slavin, then a 54-year-old Chiropractor from Long Island, started experiencing stomach pain and just didn’t feel right, and he feared the worst. His maternal grandmother and his paternal grandparents passed away from pancreatic cancer and, despite no inheritable genetic mutations identified that would’ve increased his risk of getting the disease, he was terrified of a similar fate. 

He immediately saw his gastroenterologist, who ordered multiple tests. “I was alone in my office reading the test results, and my entire world crumbled when I saw the diagnosis: stage 4 pancreatic cancer that had metastasized to my liver, shoulder blade, and pelvis,” David remembers. “I was used to being the caregiver for everyone else, and I couldn’t focus on myself. I just kept thinking about having to tell my wife and our children, and how devastating this diagnosis would be for them.” At the time, David’s daughter, Hunter, was a first-year college student, and his son, Cooper, was in high school.

David’s medical team at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center prescribed a rigorous course of chemotherapy consisting of 5FU and irinotecan and remained reassuring, positive, and hopeful throughout his treatment. He was relieved that his only side effects from the chemotherapy were foot neuropathy and fatigue. However, at one point the fatigue was so intense that he had to stop working.

When David started chemotherapy, his CA 19-9, which serves as a pancreatic cancer tumor marker in the blood, was 44,000; normal is considered 0-37 units per milliliter. Two months after chemotherapy began, his CA 19-9 dropped to 11,000 and then continued to decrease significantly after every chemotherapy treatment. “I’m in that one half of one percent that responds so well to chemotherapy,”David shared, grateful for, and humbled by, this bright spot in a such a life-changing diagnosis.

“While I was first going through treatment, I got the phone number of someone a couple of years older than me who was also a pancreatic cancer patient and who had gone through a complicated Whipple surgery. It helped me to learn that I wasn’t alone in confronting this disease,” David recalls. “Today, I get so much personal joy from sharing my story and giving hope to other patients and their families.” 

Now, seven years since his diagnosis, David is incredibly thankful to be a survivor. He still considers getting treatment for pancreatic cancer his most important job and plans his life around it. He accepts that it’s his “new normal” to have one difficult week while receiving therapy, followed by two better weeks off therapy. He is back to treating his Chiropractic patients three days a week and experimenting with new recipes in the kitchen—a hobby that his family absolutely appreciates. Most importantly, his CA 19-9 levels are within normal limits, and he currently has no evidence of disease. “There was nothing better than hearing the doctor call my pancreas ‘unremarkable’ on my most recent scan!”

“I want to have an impact on patients’ treatment plans in 20 years, and I want all patients to know there is hope for not just surviving, but thriving, like I am,” David affirms. That’s why when Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center asks for permission to take extra blood for research during his scheduled blood draws, he always consents. He hopes that an analysis of his bloodwork will point to new directions in research and that scientists can apply their learnings to help even more patients achieve a similar life-saving response to chemotherapy.

Years before he had pancreatic cancer, David had heard of the Lustgarten Foundation through a few of his patients, who worked for Cablevision Systems Corporation. Cablevision had helped establish the Lustgarten Foundation in memory of Marc Lustgarten, a Cablevision executive who passed away from the disease. He was also interested in the Foundation’s research efforts, given the history of pancreatic cancer on both sides of his family. His team—Slavin Strong—has been a fixture at the Long Island Walk for Pancreatic Cancer Research for the past three years, and every year family, friends, and even some of his patients participate to honor and celebrate him, living by the motto on their team t-shirts: In this family no one fights alone.

“My favorite part of the Walk is seeing familiar faces, year after year, and it’s been so encouraging to meet other survivors, including some who are 15 and 17 years out from diagnosis.” In fact, one year David was a featured speaker at the Walk, inspiring thousands of Long Islanders in the pancreatic cancer community with his story. He has raised close to $15,000 for the Foundation’s research program to date, from the Walks and from softball tournaments and other fundraisers his closest friends have organized on his behalf. He credits Rachel, his wife of 27 years, with being his fearless advocate. She has handled his disease and the constant, selfless challenges of being a caregiver with determination, strength, and grace.

When David was first diagnosed, he didn’t know how many more life milestones he would celebrate with his family. He has since seen his son graduate from college and start a successful career in Manhattan. Following his diagnosis, he also could not stop thinking about his daughter and how much he wanted and needed to be there to walk her down the aisle and share a father-daughter dance at her wedding one day. Now, David’s daughter is engaged and getting married next fall, and he already has his speech prepared! He has faith that his days of survivorship will continue, thanks to the love and support of his devoted family and friends and the cutting-edge pancreatic cancer research organizations like the Lustgarten Foundation are spearheading. “Thank you to the donors who do so much so selflessly for the benefit of everyone impacted by pancreatic cancer. Patients and survivors like me wouldn’t be where we are in fighting this disease if it wasn’t for their continued generosity.”

It is with a heavy heart that we remember the life of valiant Lustgarten Foundation advocate, friend, and honorary chairman of our Corporate Advisory Board, President Jimmy Carter, 39^th President of the United States, following his passing on Sunday, December 29^th, 2024.  

President Carter lent his strength and voice to champion the urgent need for the advancement of pancreatic cancer research. He was a remarkable man who remained active in public life until his passing. In 2002, he was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for his work with the Carter Center, the embodiment of his commitment to human rights and the alleviation of human suffering. He left an indelible mark on this country and the world and will be greatly missed.  

Our thoughts are with his family during this difficult time. 

It is with profound sadness that we honor the life and legacy of Charles Dolan, Co-founder and Chairman Emeritus of the Lustgarten Foundation, following his passing on Saturday, December 28^th, at 98 years old.

Charles Dolan was a visionary leader, philanthropist, and steadfast advocate for pancreatic cancer research. His dedication to the Lustgarten Foundation was profoundly personal, born from his cherished friendship with Marc Lustgarten. When Marc faced a pancreatic cancer diagnosis at just 51 years old, Charles, Marc, along with Cablevision Chief Executive James L. Dolan, had a vision for supporting pancreatic cancer research, leading to better outcomes for patients. Together, they established the Lustgarten Foundation, which now stands as a global leader in the industry.

Charles, a trailblazer in the telecommunications sector and a respected community leader, used his business expertise to drive transformative contributions to the Foundation. His enduring legacy is one of perseverance, hope, and an unyielding belief in the power of science to change lives.

Charles Dolan’s passion and vision continue to guide our work and inspire the broader pancreatic cancer community. He touched countless lives with his compassion and leadership, leaving an indelible mark on the world.

We extend our heartfelt condolences to his family and loved ones during this difficult time.

Break Through Cancer has launched a collaborative cohort for a Phase 1 study of RMC-6236, a compound developed by Revolution Medicines that is designed to suppress multiple RAS proteins that drive human cancers, including pancreatic cancer, non-small cell lung cancer and colorectal cancer.

Learn how our LABS (Lustgarten Advancing Breakthrough Science) program fosters collaboration and accelerates breakthroughs in research from three of our six internationally renowned Lustgarten lab leaders — Tyler Jacks, PhD, Brian Wolpin, MD, PhD, and Reuben Shaw, PhD. Join us as they discuss the impact that their approaches are having, and the outcomes that could matter most for patients.

David Daniels

In late 2021, David began experiencing pain in his upper abdomen that radiated to his back. Despite a colonoscopy and an upper endoscopy showing no abnormalities or disease, his doctor ordered a CT scan—a test that ultimately helped to save his life. The CT scan revealed Stage II pancreatic cancer, likely caused by exposure to carcinogens during his 27-year career as an Alabama firefighter. David was only 62 and had just retired; this diagnosis completely devastated him and his wife, Beverly, and their entire family, including their three granddaughters, Ava Ruis and Amelia and Addison McClung. Instead of planning for the 2021 holiday season and his retirement, David had a new full-time job: going through an intense course of treatment for the world’s toughest cancer.

David underwent two months of chemotherapy, followed by a Whipple procedure in April 2022 at the University of Alabama Birmingham. The grueling, nine-hour surgery (plus the removal of three lymph nodes) was followed by a long and complicated recovery that involved David and Beverly temporarily moving to Birmingham to be close to his surgeon. Once David regained his strength, he and Beverly returned home, and he resumed chemotherapy treatment.

During a Christmas church service in 2022, Ava prayed for her Papaw David to not have cancer anymore. Ava was determined to raise awareness and research funding for pancreatic cancer for David and the thousands of other patients facing such a difficult diagnosis. They found the Lustgarten Foundation online and were immediately drawn to the Foundation’s goal of transforming pancreatic cancer into a curable disease. Ava was passionate about doing a lemonade stand to raise money for pancreatic cancer research. She discussed it with her cousins, Amelia and Addison, and the idea for Cousins Lemonade Stand was born. She was convinced that she would be able to raise money for pancreatic cancer research and make a difference, in honor of her Papaw.

The girls, who were just nine and six at the time, were filled with enthusiasm for the event and love for their Papaw. They spent months organizing the lemonade stand, with the dedicated assistance and encouragement of their mothers and David’s stepdaughters, Rachael Ruis and April McClung. On a blazing hot day in June 2023, the stand was filled with customers, including neighbors, friends, local police officers, and even members of the local fire department who arrived on their truck, in recognition of David’s decorated career as a firefighter. The lemonade stand was so successful that it raised more than $1,100 for the Lustgarten Foundation. It gave Ava, Amelia, and Addison the opportunity to be role models to other passionate young people who want to have a positive impact on their communities. The lemonade stand was a complete surprise to David, and he was overcome with gratitude for, and pride in, his granddaughters for doing something so meaningful to honor him and give hope to other families.

David continued to persevere through his treatment, undergoing chemotherapy for nearly two years after his Whipple surgery. He has been off treatment since early 2024, and his most recent CT scan continues to show no evidence of disease.

“Now I feel fantastic, like thousands of prayers have been answered. Every morning I wake up is a blessing, and I have such a deeper appreciation for everyone in my life and never take anything for granted,” he explained. “I couldn’t have made it through my treatment without the support of my excellent surgeon and the rest of my medical team, my family and friends, and especially Beverly, who has been my rock and my hero throughout this entire experience.”

David believes cancer feeds on attitude, and he strives to surround himself with positivity. “I think about cancer every morning, and it’s always in the back of my mind that it could come back, but I try to focus on the present and give thanks for this new chapter,” David shared. “Beverly and I are enjoying watching our granddaughters grow up, and we’ve started to fulfill our dream of traveling. We’re both looking forward to celebrating our 25^th wedding anniversary together in 2027—something I once thought was impossible with a pancreatic cancer diagnosis.”