POSITION PAPERS AND REPORTS

As a leader in the fight against this disease, the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network provides reports and commentary about scientific and medical topics.

The Alarming Rise of Pancreatic Cancer Deaths in the United States: Why We Need to Stem the Tide Today
The alarming findings presented in the report include the fact that by the year 2020, and possibly as early as 2015, pancreatic cancer is projected to move from the fourth leading cause of cancer death to the second leading cause of cancer death in the United States. Read the report and executive summary here.

Importance of Phase III Clinical Trials
An Interview with Jordan Berlin, MD
Dr. Berlin, chair of the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network Medical Advisory Board, describes the clinical trial process and urges pancreatic cancer patients to consider clinical trials when exploring treatment options. Dr. Berlin focuses specifically on Phase III trials, and their potential to benefit patients and speed progress in the treatment of pancreatic cancer. Read the interview here.

Pancreatic Cancer: A trickle of federal funding for a river of need
Why survival rates for pancreatic cancer have remained in the single digits for 40 years
This report looks at pancreatic cancer, the lack of progress made against it, and the problems caused by not having a dedicated national research strategy to build the scientific knowledge and collaboration necessary to speed progress. It also provides a solution, one that includes private investment in research and life-saving government investment in a dedicated national strategy to find better diagnoses, treatments, and cures for pancreatic cancer. Read the report.

Study Documents Significant Underuse of Surgical Resections
Pancreatectomy, the surgical removal of all or part of the pancreas, offers the best chance of long-term control of all types of pancreatic cancer. However, the use of surgery is significantly underused, even among eligible candidates, according to a published national study. Read more.

Emerging Science and Relevant Research Directions
Advancing the state of science in pancreatic cancer In August 2007, the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network hosted a major scientific summit bringing together the world’s leading pancreatic cancer investigators, as well as other luminaries of the biological sciences, to undertake an interactive discussion of opportunities and challenges facing pancreatic cancer research during the next five year period. Read key findings from the Summit.