Genetic Mutations and Family History

How do genetic mutations impact treatment? Learn why genetic testing is important for treatment and what the latest research is finding about treatments.

44 Articles

Kim Reiss Binder
Research
November 1, 2018 • 5 Min

PARP Inhibitors for Pancreatic Cancer Maintenance Treatment

Dr. Kim Reiss Binder is leading a clinical trial of maintenance treatment with the PARP inhibitor rucaparib, for patients who carry the BRCA mutation.

Draining board
Research
July 5, 2018 • 4 Min

A Potential Role for PARP Inhibitors in Pancreatic Cancer

Dr. Michael Pishvaian leads research into the possible role of PARP inhibitors in treating pancreatic cancer patients with certain genetic mutations.

Looking down a spiral staircase
Research
April 5, 2018 • 4 Min

Genetic Testing Can Help Those You Love

Dr. Fay Kastrinos, director of the Muzzi Mirza Pancreatic Cancer Prevention and Genetics Program at Columbia University Medical Center, explains the value of genetic testing for cancer prevention and treatment.

DNA representation
Research
December 5, 2017 • 5 Min

The ABCs of Genetic Testing

There are a number of different genetic mutations that can cause familial pancreatic cancer. This article explains some of the most common ones.

Gloria Peterson, Ph.D.
Research
October 12, 2017 • 5 Min

Tumor Genetics Research Brings Some Answers for Families at High Risk

Professor Gloria Peterson of the Mayo Clinic is working on tumor genetics to help make early detection of pancreatic cancer a reality.

Dr. Robert Kurtz
Research
September 18, 2017 • 4 Min

A Registry for Those at Risk for Pancreatic Cancer

Dr. Robert Kurtz founded the Pancreatic Tumor Registry at Memorial Sloan Kettering to learn more about the genetic mutations that cause pancreatic cancer.

Abstract image of DNA structure, with linked balls of greens on the left and reds and pinks on the right, forming a spiral net
Research
September 12, 2017 • 2 Min

New Drug for BRCA Carriers with Advanced Cancer

A phase I clinical trial is testing the effectiveness of a platinum-based drug for BRCA carriers with pancreatic, breast, and other cancers.

Dr. Bert Vogelstein
Research
July 27, 2017 • 4 Min

Most Cancer Mutations Are Random DNA Mistakes

In a large study, Dr. Bert Vogelstein of Johns Hopkins found that a majority of cancers, including pancreatic cancer, are caused by random mutations of DNA.

Illustration of a protein that includes the BRCA2 mutation. The illustration includes spirals in brown, strands in purple, blue directional arrows, and green, yellow, red, and blue circles.
Research
June 27, 2017 • 2 Min

A Maintenance Trial for Patients with BRCA or PALB2 Mutations

A clinical trial examines whether the PARP inhibitor rucaparib can work as a maintenance drug for pancreatic cancer patients with BRCA or PALB2 mutations.

Image of DNA analysis showing a series of darker and lighter orange-colored columns with thin horizontal red, yellow, white, and orange stripes indicating different genes
Research
June 2, 2017 • 2 Min

Focusing on a Drug that Treats Specific Tumor Mutations

A clinical trial tests a signal-inhibiting drug for lung cancers with specific genetic mutations on gastrointestinal cancers with the same tumor mutations.

A paper model of DNA to illustrate genetic testing
Research
May 9, 2017 • 2 Min

Treating BRCA-Negative Pancreatic Cancer Patients with a Family Cancer History Similar to BRCA Carriers

A clinical trial looks at the effectiveness of a PARP inhibitor in BRCA-negative pancreatic cancer patients with a family history BRCA-type cancers.

Pasteur pipettes in a circle
Research
November 8, 2016 • 4 Min

BRCA’s Role in Pancreatic Cancer Investigated

The relationship between BRCA and pancreatic cancer, and how that affects treatment, is the focus of clinical trials looking at PARP inhibitors.

Dr. Christine Iacobuzio-Donahue
Research
September 30, 2016 • 4 Min

Pancreatic Cancer Tissue Helps Unlock the Disease’s Secrets

Dr. Christine Iacobuzio-Donahue at Memorial Sloan Kettering is using techniques from evolutionary biology to learn how pancreatic cancer grows.

test tubes with red and yellow liquids
Research
July 26, 2016 • 2 Min

Maintenance Chemotherapy Trial for Pancreatic Cancer Patients with the BRCA Mutation

A clinical trial for patients with BRCA mutations uses a PARP inhibitor as part of the maintenance chemotherapy experimental treatment.