Genetic Mutations

162 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
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.

Survivor Videos
January 22, 2020 • 1 Min

Identify Your Risk Early

Long-term survivor Scott Nelson was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, so older brother Steve joined a screening study, which caught his cancer at its earliest stages.

Screening and Early Detection
August 15, 2025 • 3 Min

Peace of Mind Through Genetic Testing of Pancreatic Cyst Fluid

A patient with pancreatic cysts took a test that looks at genetic markers in the cyst fluid, to determine her risk of developing cancer.

Symptoms
September 29, 2017 • 4 Min

Pancreatic Cancer and Family History

Dr. Diane Simeone is developing a tablet-based family history survey to identify patients with a genetic-based risk for developing pancreatic cancer.

Webinars
November 20, 2024 • 1 Min

Genetic Testing and Molecular Profiling Can Guide Treatment

Watch our webinar on Genetic Testing and Molecular Profiling to learn from experts and patients why this is so important.

Survivor Stories
August 30, 2023 • 4 Min

Lots and Lots of Research Leads to a Better Outcome

Dan Grunfeld put his experience as a chemist to good use as he researched pancreatic cancer treatments to find a clinical trial.

Survivor Stories
October 25, 2019 • 3 Min

Thirteen Survival Years and Counting

Diane Borrison’s doctor consulted the experts at academic hospitals to choose a treatment plan including Whipple surgery.

Symptoms
October 30, 2019 • 5 Min

Studying One Family’s Mutations May Change Pancreatic Cancer Treatment and Prevention

Dr. Sahar Nissim is studying the genetic mutations in one family predisposed to pancreatic cancer, to find new ways to combat the disease.

Treatments
August 5, 2016 • 3 Min

Working With your Doctor to Find Clinical Trials

Oncologist Dr. Kim A. Reiss explains the importance of clinical trials and family history of cancer when choosing a treatment for pancreatic cancer.

Survivor Stories
March 16, 2022 • 4 Min

Pancreatitis and Pancreatic Cancer

When Wayne was diagnosed with pancreatitis, the tests showed a very high likelihood of pancreatic cancer.

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
August 13, 2026 • 10 Min

At the Table: Looking Forward 10 Years

Members of the Patient Advisory Board discuss the changes they would like to see in 10 years in treatment, early detection, and managing care.

Survivor Stories
August 17, 2023 • 4 Min

One of the Biggest Tumors They Had Ever Seen

Pancreatectomy surgery to remove her cancer was Donna Robinson’s goal, despite having one of the largest tumors her doctors had ever seen.

Symptoms
June 8, 2021 • 4 Min

Crafting a Medical Family Tree

Dr. Diane Simeone and genetic counselor Jessica Everett explain why it is important to create a medical family tree for pancreatic cancer.

Completed Trials
May 26, 2022 • 3 Min

Chemotherapy-Radiation Combination for Pancreatic Cancer in the Liver

Can targeted radiation disrupt tumor growth in the liver of advanced pancreatic cancer patients with BRCA2 and PALB2 mutations?