Thu 28 Jan 2010
Tonight, CBS Evening News Anchor Katie Couric will report on cancer research and treatment in a segment entitled Where America Stands: Cancer. While great strides have been made in cancer research, the disease still claims more than 500,000 lives annually. In this compelling piece, Katie looks at the current state of America’s fight against cancer, and the types of new, highly targeted treatments being developed that draw on discoveries made as scientists map the cancer genome. Katie traveled to the renowned Dana-Farber Cancer Institute in Boston, speaking with a patient, researchers, doctors; NIH Director Francis Collins is interviewed as well.
Katie’s piece is part of CBS News’ acclaimed series CBS Reports: Where America Stands, a cross-platform series that will provide a comprehensive assessment of where the United States stands on a broad array of vital issues and will examine America’s readiness to face the challenges of the future.
The CBS Evening News airs at 6:30 PM EST; check your local listings in other areas.
Fri 22 Jan 2010
Posted by admin under Research
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WebMD and USA Today are reporting researchers from the Garden State Cancer Center in New Jersey have developed a blood test that could help diagnosis pancreatic cancer in its early stages. According to WebMD, the test uses an antibody that attaches to cells that carry PAM-4, a protein present in the vast majority of pancreatic cancers.
This is early research and further studies are needed to determine whether this protein will be an accurate early detection test for pancreatic cancer. However, we are encouraged that research is being done in this area since one of the reasons for the high mortality of pancreatic cancer is the late stage of diagnosis for many patients. An early detection method could lead to better survival rates for pancreatic cancer patients.
Thu 19 Nov 2009
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An October 2009 consensus report presents recommendations from the 2007 National Cancer Institute Clinical Trials Planning Meeting on Pancreas Cancer Treatment. The meeting was convened so that scientists, physicians, advocates, industry representatives, and government agencies could discuss ways to integrate current scientific knowledge into better clinical trial designs.
The report outlines specific recommendations in the areas of new drug targets, laboratory models to study pancreatic cancer, future clinical trials, tumor banks (biorepositories), and biomarkers. For example, one recommendation suggests studying patients with locally advanced unresectable (not operable) disease separately from those with metastatic disease. Most phase II and phase III pancreatic cancer clinical trials in recent years have included patients with locally advanced unresectable disease and patients with metastatic disease. However, there are differences in the way these patients’ tumors behave. Therefore in the future, it is necessary to closely study these patients separately, in order to determine the effectiveness of a particular treatment or treatment combination.
The Pancreatic Cancer Action Network will be evaluating these recommendations and determining how we can help move them forward.
For access to the abstract and full article, click here.
Tue 20 Oct 2009
The Pancreatic Cancer Action Network’s 12th annual gala on Saturday night brought together hundreds of people touched by pancreatic cancer and raised $600,000 for pancreatic cancer research. But, it was a special guest that ended the evening that created much buzz and brought everyone in the room to their feet with applause and tears.
After presenting the founders of Stand Up To Cancer with the Spirit of Hope Award for their significant effort to advance pancreatic cancer research and the hope they inspire in others in the fight against the disease, Lisa Paulsen and Kathleen Lobb gave the award to Lisa Niemi in memory of her husband, Patrick Swayze. Lisa spoke eloquently about his fight against this terrible disease and thanked both the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network and Stand Up to Cancer for their efforts to find a cure for pancreatic cancer.
The evening also include award-winning actress Dana Delany receiving the Shining Star Award for her efforts to raise awareness of pancreatic cancer after losing her father, Jack, to the disease 28 years ago. She talked about the life and legacy of her father whom she credits her acting career.
Fashion icon Tommy Hilfiger presented his sister Betsy Hilfiger with the Emily Couric Public Service Award, named after the Virginia State Senator and sister of Katie Couric, for her dedication to the community and for speaking out about having her pancreas removed after doctors told her she would develop pancreatic cancer. A congratulatory video from Katie Couric played as Emily’s son, Jeff Wadlow, looked on and recounted that it was eight years ago to the day that pancreatic cancer claimed the life of his mother.
It was an inspirational and emotional evening for the audience. Pictures will be posted soon!
Thu 15 Oct 2009
Posted by admin under General
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This weekend, the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network has two very exciting events happening in Los Angeles and you can be a part of them virtually through Twitter, Facebook and Myspace.
During the Pancreatic Cancer Symposium on Friday from 9am - 5pm pacific time, we will report the latest in the field of pancreatic cancer as information is presented by experts from around the country. Topics to be covered include: treatment options, clinical trials, diet and nutrition, inspirational survivor stories and information for caregivers.
Saturday marks the 12th Annual “An Evening with the Stars” gala at the beautiful Beverly Wilshire Four Seasons Hotel in Beverly Hills. This year, we will honor Desperate Housewives actress Dana Delany, the founding members of Stand Up to Cancer and Betsy Hilfiger for their contributions to the pancreatic cancer community. Tune in to our social networking channels Saturday night from 6-9pm pacific time to hear about other surprise guests in attendance and Fund a Cure as it happens!
Don’t miss this opportunity to be a part of an exciting weekend! Join us on these social networking sites:
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/jointhefight
Myspace: http://www.myspace.com/stoppancreaticcancer
Twitter: https://twitter.com/pancan
Mon 5 Oct 2009
The Pancreatic Cancer Action Networks offers sincere condolences to the family and friends of Nancy Daly and the many people in Los Angeles she touched over the years. She was a children’s advocate and philanthropist supporting many causes not only in Los Angeles, but in the United States. Her many charitable efforts will not be forgotten.
Nancy Daly was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in early 2006 and died this past Friday, October 2nd. During her battle with the disease, Daly helped raise awareness and much-needed funding for research as an honoree at An Evening with the Stars, the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network’s annual gala, in November of 2006.
You can read Daly’s obituary in the Los Angeles Times here.
