Genetic Mutations

359 articles

Having a genetic mutation can make all the difference in treatment choices, and even longer-term survival. Learn more about the importance of genetic testing and molecular profiling.

Survivor Stories
November 20, 2019 • 6 Min

Tumor RNA Testing Leads to Treatment with a New Drug

When treatment stopped working for Adam Deal, genetic testing of his tumor RNA found a mutation that made him eligible to try a new drug.

Survivor Stories
May 18, 2016 • 3 Min

Understanding Family History Makes a Difference in Treatment Options

Elizabeth Pršić describes her mother Andrea’s pancreatic cancer treatment. Andrea has the BRCA2 mutation, which helps determine the plan.

Survivor Stories
January 22, 2021 • 6 Min

What Caused My Pancreatic Cancer?

Despite no known genetic link, Steven Robinson is the fourth member of his family on his mother’s side to get pancreatic cancer.

Research
February 9, 2021 • 4 Min

RNA Precision Trial for Pancreatic Cancer Opens At Columbia

Dr. Andrea Califano leads a precision oncology clinical trial of the OncoTreat platform, which looks at proteins to determine treatment.

Research
July 14, 2017 • 5 Min

An Immunotherapy Game Changer

Immunotherapy with Keytruda (pembrolizumab) is approved for use in cancer patients with certain genetic defects in their tumors.

Survivor Stories
August 18, 2020 • 4 Min

The Value of Molecular Profiling and Genetic Testing

Gina Harrison underwent molecular profiling of her pancreatic tumor, which led her to a clinical trial. Genetic testing showed her BRCA1 mutation was random.

Research
April 13, 2017 • 4 Min

Testing Vitamin C as a Cancer Killer

Lewis Cantley’s team is starting clinical trials of vitamin C to gain more information about its role in stopping cancer.

Research
October 1, 2020 • 8 Min

AACR Virtual Special Conference on Pancreatic Cancer: Day Two Highlights

Let’s Win and the Lustgarten Foundation present highlights of Day Two of the AACR Virtual Special Conference on Pancreatic Cancer.

Research
March 11, 2022 • 2 Min

Testing an Approved Drug for a Specific Mutation

Researchers are testing a drug combination for melanoma in pancreatic cancer patients with a BRAF genetic mutation.

Research
June 17, 2022 • 3 Min

New Gene Inhibitor Drug for Patients with MTAP-Deleted Tumors

A new trial targets patients with advanced solid tumors, including pancreatic cancer, with an MTAP-deletion genetic mutation.

Research
October 17, 2019 • 3 Min

Dousing Out-of-Control KRAS Signaling in Pancreatic Cancer

Rene Bernards and his team are targeting the signaling pathway of the KRAS mutation, which occurs in almost all pancreatic cancers.

Survivor Stories
June 1, 2023 • 4 Min

No One Fights Alone

Because of her grandfather, Rhonda Havig knew she had a family history of pancreatic cancer. But her own diagnosis was still a surprise.

Research
May 23, 2024 • 4 Min

Study Reveals Molecular Differences in Young-Onset Pancreatic Cancer

There has been a notable increase in cases of young onset pancreatic cancer. Dr. Jashodeep Datta and team are exploring why this is happening.

Research
April 3, 2020 • 5 Min

Tumor Biology Matters

Dr. Lynn Matrisian of PanCAN, explains that molecular profiling of a pancreatic cancer patient’s tumor can show which treatment will work best.

Survivor Stories
August 15, 2016 • 5 Min

The Impact of BRCA Is Broader Than Breast and Ovarian Cancer

Rona Greenberg discusses the impact of BRCA2 on her family, and her search for the best clinical trial for her needs after her pancreatic cancer diagnosis.