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News and Stories About precision medicine
Virtual Conference Highlights Real, Exciting Progress
Conference featured exciting new results, robust discussion and a look to the future.
New Study Describes Treatment Approach for a Subset of Pancreatic Cancer Patients
PanCAN and partners published a study about RAF alterations in patients’ tumors.
5 Things to Know About Targeting Mutant KRAS in Pancreatic Cancer
Editor’s note: Originally published in February 2021, we’ve updated this article to include the exciting news that the first drug […]
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The Latest News from the Gastrointestinal Cancers Symposium
The 2021 Gastrointestinal (GI) Cancers Symposium recently brought together oncologists, researchers, patients and patient advocates, including the Pancreatic Cancer Action […]
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The Changing Clinical Trials Landscape
Editor’s note: January is Pancreatic Cancer Clinical Trials Awareness Month. Today’s article describes the complex and changing landscape of clinical […]
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2020 Year in Review: Research Progress
Editor’s note: Today’s article looks back at scientific and clinical advances made in 2020 and kicks off our Year in […]
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Key Takeaways from Clinical Research Webinar
Get a recap of our World Pancreatic Cancer Day webinar featuring an expert panel discussing the latest in clinical research […]
Do You Know Your Risk?
If you have a first-degree relative (parent, child or sibling) who was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, you may have an […]
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How Common Is Pancreatic Cancer?
Editor’s note: It’s Rare Cancer Day, so we thought we’d take the opportunity to talk about how rare pancreatic cancer […]
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New Guidelines Emphasize Biomarker & Genetic Testing
In its latest guidelines for the treatment of patients with metastatic pancreatic cancer, the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) […]
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Things to Know About Immunotherapy Clinical Trials
Editor’s note: “Jeopardy!” host Alex Trebek and former Sen. Harry Reid have publicly mentioned being treated with an experimental immunotherapy […]
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Keytruda Use Expanded for Pancreatic Cancer Patients
A drug that received unprecedented approval in the U.S. three years ago is now available for even more patients. In […]
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Eight-year Survivor’s Success with Precision Medicine and a Clinical Trial
Editor’s note: Earlier this year, we featured Steven Merlin’s amazing dedication as a Pancreatic Cancer Action Network (PanCAN) volunteer and […]
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Why It’s Important to Advocate for Yourself During Coronavirus Pandemic
You are your own best advocate. If you’ve been diagnosed with a disease like pancreatic cancer, it’s important to get […]
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PanCAN Presents at International Oncology Conference
The theme for the 2020 American Society of Clinical Oncology’s (ASCO) Annual Meeting was “Unite & Conquer: Accelerating Progress Together.” […]
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Treatments Based on Patient Biology
About one in four pancreatic cancer patients have changes in their tumor that suggest certain treatments may work particularly well […]
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How Know Your Tumor Has Helped These Survivors
A recent paper published in the prestigious journal Lancet Oncology showed that the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network’s (PanCAN) Know Your […]
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New Research Reveals Pancreatic Cancer Patients Who Receive Precision Medicine Live An Average Of One Year Longer Than Those Who Do Not
Pancreatic Cancer Action Network and Perthera Study in Lancet Oncology Underscores the Urgent Need for Every Pancreatic Cancer Patient to […]
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PanCAN’s Know Your Tumor Can Help Pancreatic Cancer Patients Live Longer
The Pancreatic Cancer Action Network’s (PanCAN) Know Your Tumor® precision medicine service can help pancreatic cancer patients live longer. Know […]
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Molecular Profiling Gave Patient More Options
Stage IV pancreatic cancer survivor Ken Harding was no longer having great results after nine months on standard chemotherapy. But […]
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Accelerating Personalized Care for Pancreatic Cancer Patients
“Accelerating Personalized Care” was the theme for the 2020 Gastrointestinal (GI) Cancers Symposium, which took place Jan. 23-25 in San […]
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Survivor Uses Know Your Tumor and Chooses Clinical Trial
Editor’s note: Sadly, Gina passed away in January 2021. We are so grateful she shared her story to inspire and […]
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Stage IV Survivor Doing Well Thanks to Clinical Trial
Editor’s note: January is Pancreatic Cancer Clinical Trials Awareness Month. Today we share the experience of a stage IV pancreatic […]
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5 Things to Know About New Pancreatic Cancer Drug Lynparza
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently approved the treatment Lynparza® (olaparib) for use in a group of pancreatic cancer […]
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Lynparza Approved for Pancreatic Cancer Patients Identified by Testing
Today the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved the targeted therapy Lynparza® (olaparib) for the treatment of patients who […]
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2019 Year in Review: Progress in Research
Editor’s note: This article kicks off our 2019 Year in Review series – highlighting the research advancements that you – […]
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Survivor Gains Some Control with Targeted Treatment
Editor’s note: Mary Fox passed away in January 2020. We are grateful she allowed her story to be shared. In […]
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Matched Therapy Increases Pancreatic Cancer Survival
People with pancreatic cancer and a specific type of change – or mutation – in their DNA live longer when […]
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34-year-old Survivor Responds Well to Targeted Therapy
Editor’s note: We are deeply saddened to share that Adam Deal died of pancreatic cancer in December 2020. His advocacy […]
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Comparing Pancreatic Tumor Tissue Types for Molecular Profiling
When the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network (PanCAN) launched its Know Your Tumor® precision medicine service, molecular profiling was offered for […]
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What Is Cancer Immunotherapy?
It’s Cancer Immunotherapy Month. Here, we discuss immunotherapy and pancreatic cancer.
5 Things to Know About Precision Medicine
Every pancreatic tumor – and every pancreatic cancer patient – is different. The Pancreatic Cancer Action Network (PanCAN) strongly recommends […]
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Positive Clinical Trial Results Presented at Major Oncology Conference
This year’s American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) Annual Meeting has brought 40,000 oncologists and other cancer experts from around […]
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PNET Survivor Receives ‘Gift’ Through Molecular Profiling
The morning of Feb. 5, 2016, started like many for Gail. She got up early and headed to the gym […]
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What You Need to Know Before a Pancreatic Biopsy
An imaging test may find a tumor on the pancreas, which could be benign (non-cancerous) or malignant (cancerous). Getting a […]
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Guidelines Advise Germline and Somatic Testing
Editor’s note: The National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN), which sets guidelines for the treatment and management of pancreatic adenocarcinoma (the […]
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PanCAN Leader ‘Blown Away’ by Cancer Conference
“I’ve been attending the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) annual meetings for several years, and this year’s conference was […]
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Lynch Syndrome and Pancreatic Cancer Risk
About 10 percent of pancreatic cancer cases are thought to be hereditary – caused by an inherited genetic alteration that […]
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Large-scale Molecular Profiling Reveals Clues About Pancreatic Tumors and Cysts
The largest-ever molecular analysis of pancreatic cancer tissue samples – from more than 3,500 patients – revealed some new clues […]
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Young Mom with Pancreatic Cancer Advocates for Herself
When Allison Perlis of Potomac, Md., first began experiencing symptoms of pancreatic cancer in early 2017, she dismissed them as […]
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Moments Matter: Karen Kiernan
Around Christmas 2016, Karen Kiernan was enjoying the holidays at her family home in Truckee, Calif., when she began to […]
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TIME Features Importance of Right Team, Tests, Treatment Post-Diagnosis
A recently published article on TIME.com highlights important steps patients should take after a cancer diagnosis and mentions that the […]
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Precision Medicine Panel Champions Collaborative Learning and Partnerships
Last week, Jenny Isaacson, vice president of strategic partnerships and projects at the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network (PanCAN), championed cross-sector […]
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2018 Year in Review: Progress in Research, Part 1
Editor’s note: Welcome to the first article in our 2018 Year in Review series! Over the next couple weeks, we’ll […]
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Survivor Fights Pancreatic Cancer with Genetics
Elise Tedeschi was shocked when she was diagnosed with stage IV pancreatic cancer. She was only 42 years old, enjoying […]
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New Cancer Drug Approved Based on Molecular Profiling
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Vitrakvi® (larotrectinib) today for the treatment of any locally advanced or metastatic solid tumor, […]
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PanCAN’s President and CEO Featured at People v. Cancer Event
The Atlantic’s People v. Cancer event took place Nov. 14, 2018, in New York City. The event featured a stellar […]
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Ask PanCAN Patient Services: Molecular Profiling
The Pancreatic Cancer Action Network (PanCAN) offers an Ask PanCAN Patient Services series to provide helpful tips and information about […]
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1,000th Patient Receives Know Your Tumor® Report
The Pancreatic Cancer Action Network (PanCAN) has now delivered personalized molecular profiling reports to 1,000 pancreatic cancer patients through its […]
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Wall Street Journal Reports How Genetics Affect Risk and Treatments
“I was 7 years old when my dad’s mom, Gertrud, was diagnosed with breast cancer,” began Pamela Munster, MD, a […]
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Persistence, Precision Medicine Pay off for Pancreatic Cancer Patient
When doctors told David Watson of Santa Monica, Calif., that he had type 2 diabetes in November 2016, he couldn’t […]
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What Are Pancreatic Cancer Biomarkers?
A biomarker is a substance found in the body that can be measured. The amount of a biomarker may vary […]
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Pancreatic Cancer Researchers, Clinicians ‘Unlock Superpowers’ at Annual Scientific Summit
The fitting theme for this year’s Pancreatic Cancer Action Network (PanCAN) Annual Scientific Summit, occurring Aug. 23-26, 2018, in San […]
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Young Bride Chooses Molecular Profiling and Clinical Trial
Before Allison Lippman of Dallas met her now-husband, she was not convinced she wanted to date anyone. “I was turning […]
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What You Need to Know About Genetic and Molecular Testing
Editor’s note, March 2, 2020: Results published in Lancet Oncology from the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network’s (PanCAN) Know Your Tumor® […]
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New Research Suggests Age May Benefit Response to Immunotherapy
Cancer immunotherapy involves efforts to harness the patient’s own immune system to recognize and attack tumor cells. To date, the […]
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PanCAN Publishes Hopeful Precision Medicine Results
Published today in the esteemed Clinical Cancer Research, a journal of the American Association for Cancer Research, the Pancreatic Cancer […]
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Novel study urges genetic testing for all pancreatic cancer patients, creating a new standard of care
With the Identification of Six Genetic Mutations, Authors Urge Genetic Testing for All Pancreatic Cancer Patients – Not Only Those […]
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New Study Encourages Genetic Testing for All Pancreatic Cancer Patients, Regardless of Family History
A pancreatic cancer diagnosis can lead to a lot of questions, including how to choose a healthcare team, deciding on […]
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Institution’s Molecular Profiling Results Affect Clinical Decisions
Every pancreatic tumor is different. The Pancreatic Cancer Action Network (PanCAN) strongly recommends molecular profiling of your tumor to help […]
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Pancreatic Cancer Treatment Myths Uncovered
It is important to know all your treatment options at every stage of your pancreatic cancer diagnosis. Here are five […]
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Clinical Guidelines for Metastatic Disease Updated
The American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) has updated their treatment guidelines for patients with metastatic pancreatic cancer, or disease […]
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New Treatment Guidelines to Improve Patient Options
Editor’s note: Below we describe recent updates to the National Comprehensive Cancer Network’s (NCCN) guidelines for the treatment and management […]
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Celebrate National DNA Day with Five Key Facts
Did you know that DNA gets its own day? It’s today! National DNA Day has been celebrated since 2003, when […]
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More than 20,000 Cancer Researchers Converge at International Meeting
The theme for this year’s American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) Annual Meeting, which took place earlier this week in […]
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CEO Fleshman Applauds Myeloma Founder’s Efforts in Forbes
In a recent Forbes article, “She Was Given Three Years To Live. So She Transformed Cancer Research,” Pancreatic Cancer Action […]
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National Doctors’ Day: Honoring Roles and Importance of Specialists
Editor’s note: Today is National Doctors’ Day, and we are celebrating the critical roles of various specialists in the diagnosis […]
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NPR Focuses on One of the Biggest Challenges in Pancreatic Cancer: KRAS
About 95 percent of pancreatic cancer cases – and around 30 percent of all human cancers – have a mutation […]
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Precision Medicine Highlighted in the News
“All Cancer Patients Should Have Access To Genomic Testing” is the title of a compelling article featured in Forbes earlier […]
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2017 Year in Review: Top 10 News Stories
Editor’s note: This article is another installment in our “Year in Review” series recapping the year’s top stories in pancreatic […]
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Keytruda Drug Is Science Breakthrough of the Year Runner-up
At the end of every year, Science magazine announces a Breakthrough of the Year – a discovery that revolutionized the […]
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2017 Year in Review: Progress in Research, Part 1
Editor’s note: This article is the first in our “Year in Review” series recapping the year’s top stories in pancreatic […]
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Discovery of Rare Mutation Gives Survivor Options, Hope
Akshay Mehta, MD, was in the middle of performing an orthopedic surgery when his first pancreatic cancer symptom arose. “I […]
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Tumor’s Genetic Changes Can Impact Patient Outcomes
Among the many genetic mutations and molecular alterations that can be found in pancreatic tumors, there are four that are […]
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Going Beyond Standard of Care
Pancreatic cancer is difficult to treat. There are a few standard treatments, but there are additional options that we encourage […]
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Pancreatic Cancer in U.S. News & World Report
“Let’s face it: The pancreas is a behind-the-scenes organ most of us don’t know – or think – much about. […]
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Progress Report: ‘Research Continues to Be Our Best Defense Against Cancer’
The American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) released its annual Cancer Progress Report earlier this week. “Research continues to be […]
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Forbes Article Discusses Potential of PARP Inhibitors to Treat Certain Pancreatic Cancer Patients
The so-called breast cancer genes BRCA1 and BRCA2 were originally found to increase a woman’s risk of breast cancer when […]
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Nationwide Effort Uncovers Genetic Clues in Pancreatic Cancer Cells
The cleverly named The Cancer Genome Atlas project – abbreviated TCGA, in homage to the four base pairs that make […]
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New Study Evaluates Molecular Profiling for Pancreatic Cancer Patients
Every pancreatic tumor is different. The Pancreatic Cancer Action Network strongly recommends molecular profiling of your tumor to help determine […]
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Pancreatic Cancer Action Network invests in Precision Medicine and Early Detection
Pancreatic Cancer Action Network invests in precision medicine and early detection to change outcomes for the world’s toughest cancer MANHATTAN […]
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5 Things to Know About New Drug Keytruda
Editor’s note: Keytruda was the first cancer drug approved to treat any solid tumor – anywhere in the body – […]
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Recent Precision Medicine Developments Showing Promise of Field
May was a busy month for pancreatic cancer precision medicine developments. Every pancreatic tumor is different. The Pancreatic Cancer Action […]
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Know Your Tumor® Gives Survivor More Options, Time to Experience More Blessings
Editor’s note: Sadly, Josephine Scivoli passed away in November 2019. We are grateful she allowed her story to be shared. Josephine […]
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Results of Large-scale Molecular Profiling Effort Are Published, Shared
The American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) is spearheading a large-scale molecular profiling effort called Project Genomics Evidence Neoplasia Information […]
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The Road to Effective Immunotherapy for Pancreatic Cancer Patients
Last week, we shared the exciting news that an immunotherapy agent, Keytruda, was the first drug approved by the FDA […]
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Unprecedented Drug Approval Can Benefit Pancreatic Cancer Patients
For the first time, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved a cancer drug based only on molecular […]
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Rare but Targetable Genetic Change Discovered in Pancreatic Cancer Patients
The Pancreatic Cancer Action Network’s state-of-the-art Know Your Tumor® precision medicine service offers molecular profiling to eligible patients. Molecular profiling […]
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Clinical Trials Are Recommended During Every Treatment Decision
Making treatment decisions may be overwhelming. We want to make sure you have the information you need, every step of […]
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Revolutionary Clinical Trial Initiative Focuses On Precision Medicine, Collaboration and Data Sharing to Transform Outcomes for All Pancreatic Cancer Patients
Revolutionary Clinical Trial Initiative Focuses On Precision Medicine, Collaboration and Data Sharing to Transform Outcomes for All Pancreatic Cancer Patients […]
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Leading Oncologist Champions Treatment Progress Through Personalized Medicine
Dr. Andrew E. Hendifar, the medical oncology lead for the gastrointestinal disease research group at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, champions progress […]
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Study Shows Biomarker-Based Treatment Provides Best Results
We’ve learned a lot about pancreatic cancer in recent years, and we now know that every patient’s cancer is different […]
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