FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Personalized, Comprehensive Approach to Patient Information Viewed As Model for Other Organizations

Innovative Program for Pancreatic Cancer Patients Offers Clinical Trial Information

EL SEGUNDO, Calif. U.S.A. (Nov. 4, 2003)---Following its first year in operation, the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network’s (PanCAN) comprehensive patient advocacy program has become a model for other organizations seeking to effectively help the groups they serve. Called PALS (Patient and Liaison Services), the program helps patients and caregivers gather information and understand their options so they can discuss them with their medical care team and loved ones. The PALS program utilizes an extensive database of current clinical trial programs that is unlike any other. PanCAN is the first national patient-based advocacy organization for the pancreatic cancer community, which includes patients, family, medical researchers and physicians.

“The PALS program is unusual because it matches a trained PALS Associate one-on-one with the person who calls for information," explained Mary Lou Smith, Co-founder Research Advocacy Network. "Many organizations offer help on their websites or by phone, but the comprehensive database of pancreatic cancer clinical trials that the PALS program offers is very rare. PALS immediately gives pancreatic cancer patients the information and support they need to make informed decisions. By doing so, this innovative program offers both hope and empowerment to patients and their families.”

PanCAN’s PALS outreach program is unusually comprehensive and personalized. Four trained, dedicated PALS Associates work one-on-one with pancreatic patients and offer information and decision-making tools regarding surgery and treatment options; clinical trial information; help in navigating the complex medical and ontological infrastructure; and a connection to the PanCAN Pancreatic Cancer Survivors Network. While other organizations may offer help via phone and Internet, PALS is the first to offer this level of individually tailored assistance along with a comprehensive database of IRB approved pancreatic cancer clinical trials. Other clinical trial databases are outdated and limited.

"We continually upgrade PALS by adding new information and educational tools for callers," said Michelle Meuthing, PanCAN's Director of PALS and Scientific Affairs. "The information PALS offers regarding treatment options and clinical trials has been particularly valuable to our callers."

Following diagnosis, pancreatic cancer patients and their families frequently spend a great deal of time anxiously researching information and alternatives. PALS offers a more compassionate, well-informed and focused alternative. Friendly, trained PALS Associates are available to assist patients on a one-on-one basis Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. -- 5 p.m. PST. The PALS program is offered at no cost to callers and is made possible through the generosity of PanCAN supporters. PALS Associates are available toll-free at 877-2-PANCAN (877-272-6226) or via e-mail at medinfo@pancan.org.

Resources are available on many topics related to pancreatic cancer, including: frequently asked questions, clinical trials, cancer health centers, support groups, diet and nutrition, pain management, community events, insurance and job-related issues, and other topics.

About PanCAN
PanCAN is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization founded in 1999 by surviving family members of individuals who died of pancreatic cancer. Chartered as a grassroots organization of advocacy for pancreatic cancer patients and their families, PanCAN currently has volunteers and members throughout the United States and around the world. PanCAN is the first, national public-benefit advocacy organization for the pancreatic cancer community. The organization works to focus national attention on the need to find a cure for pancreatic cancer, and provides public and professional education embracing the urgent need for more research, effective treatments, prevention programs and early detection methods. Visit www.pancan.org to obtain more information, e-mail info@pancan.org, or call 1-877-272-6226.

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Media Contacts:

Aaron Kiel
Public Relations Consultant for PanCAN
Phone: 562-983-8113
Email: akiel@akprgroup.com

Company Contacts:

Julie Fleshman
Executive Director, PanCAN
Phone: 310-725-0025
Email: jfleshman@pancan.org