Get informed about the latest pancreatic cancer research advancements and milestones, Lustgarten Foundation news, and other relevant topics
and resources for patients, survivors, and caregivers.
Pancreatic cancer research: genetic testing is essential
Pancreatic cancer research has shown that genetic testing is critical because genetics play a role in up to 10 percent of pancreatic cancer cases. However, family members of pancreatic cancer patients often are not aware that certain genetic mutations can be passed down, which is why having information about genetic risk is so important. The [...]
5 Things to Know About Clinical Trials
By Vanessa Steil- January 21, 2020 January is Pancreatic Cancer Clinical Trials Awareness Month. Clinical trials are important for delivering innovative and potentially life-saving new treatment options to patients. They may investigate new combinations of currently available drugs or study new treatments that have worked in other cancers. Through clinical trials, researchers can determine if [...]
Pancreatic Cancer and Genetics: Is There Genetic Testing for Pancreatic Cancer Patients?
According to the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN)’s 2019 Clinical Practice Guidelines, all pancreatic cancer patients should undergo genetic or germline testing for inherited genetic mutations, regardless of family history. Under these new recommendations, this testing should be done by a physician and the cost should be covered by insurance. The Lustgarten Foundation also encourages [...]
6 Things to Know About a Pancreatic Cancer Diagnosis
By Vanessa Steil- December 2, 2019 Have you or has a loved one had a pancreatic cancer diagnosis? It’s estimated that more than 56,000 Americans will be diagnosed this year alone, and the five-year survival rate remains in the single digits. The Lustgarten Foundation is the world’s largest private funder of pancreatic cancer research and [...]
Interview with an Expert: Familial Pancreatic Cancer
In this article, Dr. Ralph Hruban answers questions about familial pancreatic cancer. Dr. Ralph Hruban is a Professor of Pathology and Oncology. Read here insights here.
Interview with an Expert: Immunotherapy Update
About Our Expert: Elizabeth M. Jaffee, M.D., is an internationally recognized expert in pancreatic cancer and immunotherapy research. She is the Deputy Director at the Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center at Johns Hopkins and an Associate Director of the Bloomberg-Kimmel Institute for Immunotherapy. Dr. Jaffee serves as the Chief Medical Advisor for the Lustgarten Foundation as [...]
Immunotherapy As a Treatment Option For Pancreatic Cancer
Immunotherapy is touted as the pancreatic cancer treatment option of the future. It involves using a person’s own immune system to fight and destroy cancer cells and is considered by many leading researchers to represent the future of cancer treatment. While immunotherapy has been successful in treating other diseases, only recently have we made breakthroughs [...]
Pancreatic Cancer Genetic Testing for Affected Families
Pancreatic cancer genetic testing is critical because genetics play a role in up to 10 percent of pancreatic cancer cases. However, family members of pancreatic cancer patients often are not aware that certain genetic mutations can be passed down, which is why having information about genetic risk is so important. The GENERATE (GENetic Education, Risk [...]
Identifying a Treatment Doctor & Facility
Answers by Diane M. Simeone, M.D. who serves as the Associate Director for Translational Research at NYU Langone Medical Center and leads its pancreatic cancer center. A particular concern for individuals diagnosed with pancreatic cancer is whether they have time to research treatment centers and receive second opinions before settling on a course of action. [...]
AACR Highlights: Monday, September 9
AACR Highlights: Monday, September 9 Cancer cells divide uncontrollably resulting in a flood of new tumor cells and this uncontrolled metabolic wave requires energy. But metabolism is altered in pancreatic cancer and scientists are trying to understand the molecular underpinnings of the nutrients of choice for various cell types. These new insights into cancer metabolism [...]
