4
Fall 2012
OUTREACH
In June 2012, the American Association for Cancer Research
(
AACR) hosted its first special conference focused entirely on
pancreatic cancer. The Pancreatic Cancer Action Network
proudly served as the lead supporter of this important
meeting.
The AACR refers to such special conferences as presenting
“
unique opportunities to interact with the world’s leading
experts and discuss the latest findings in rapidly developing
areas of cancer research. Conferences are relatively small
to allow ample time for discussion and networking. The
formal and informal discussions at these conferences lead
to new collaborations among investigators around the world
and major advances in knowledge.” The pancreatic cancer
conference fit the bill.
The conference, titled
Pancreatic Cancer: Progress and
Challenges
,
marked an important moment for the community
of scientists and clinicians studying the disease. A total of
450
attendees registered for the meeting, which exceeded
expectations and reflected the growth and momentum now
occurring in this field of study. Several attendees commented
on the impressive “quality and quantity” of the science
presented. The camaraderie and spirit of collaboration in
the pancreatic cancer community were also evident at the
gathering.
Many current and past research grant recipients of the
Pancreatic Cancer Action Network and Scientific and Medical
Advisory Board members were prominently featured among
organizers, presenters and attendees at the conference. In
addition, several volunteers and survivors affiliated with our
organization attended. A moving speech by survivor Stu Jed
of Reno, Nevada at the opening plenary session was well
received and cited several times by scientific presenters
during the conference.
“
Both [my wife] Ginnie and I found the conference stimulating,
encouraging and awe inspiring,” Stu said. “We thoroughly
enjoyed listening to and socializing with the brilliant
researchers who showed us such warmth and hospitality.”
As a testament to the caliber of research presented, the
AACR issued 12 press releases highlighting scientific findings
shared at the meeting. The topics publicized included risk
factors for pancreatic cancer, new diagnostic strategies,
and early studies on promising new treatment modalities.
Most of the studies presented at the meeting are considered
preliminary, but revealed several important topics of study
with high potential for future clinical benefit.
Among the promising types of investigations taking place
in the field of pancreatic cancer is research directed at the
protein K-Ras. For an example of a research project aimed
at targeting this protein that is critical to the development
and progression of pancreatic cancer, please see the article
featuring Channing Der, PhD, on page 2. Additionally, the
clinical trials involving immunotherapy described on page
6
were all initiated from laboratory studies such as those
presented at the special conference, and appear to offer an
exciting new strategy that may be used to tackle this difficult
disease.
“
In all, the AACR pancreatic cancer special conference was
a tremendous success, and representative of the high level
of energy and productivity currently in the field of pancreatic
cancer research,” said Lynn Matrisian, PhD, the Pancreatic
Cancer Action Network’s Vice President of Scientific and
Medical Affairs.
SPECIAL CONFERENCE DEVOTED EXCLUSIVELY TO PANCREATIC
CANCER RESEARCH EXCEEDS ATTENDANCE EXPECTATIONS
Scientists gather at a networking reception hosted by the
Pancreatic Cancer Action Network.