Genetic Mutations

159 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.

Research
March 21, 2022 • 5 Min

New Study to Get More Minorities Involved in Genetic Testing

Dr. Nicolette Rodriguez leads the REGENERATE study to find the best ways to get more Black and Latinx Americans genetic testing for cancer.

Research
May 23, 2016 • 5 Min

A Liquid Biopsy for Pancreatic Cancer

Dr. Bert Vogelstein and his team at Johns Hopkins are working with a blood test called a liquid biopsy, which tests cells for mutations related to cancer.

Research
January 12, 2022 • 5 Min

New Study Aims to Reduce Recurrence Risk for Select Patients

Dr. Kim A. Reiss is leading a study of the PARP inhibitor olaparib to delay or prevent a recurrence of surgically removed pancreatic cancer.

Research
February 9, 2023 • 5 Min

PRECEDE Trial Sets Survival Rate Goal

Dr. Raymond Wadlow explains how earlier detection of high-risk people is key the PRECEDE trial’s goal to increase pancreatic cancer survival rates.

Research
May 15, 2024 • 2 Min

A New Triple Combination for Tumors with BRCA1/2 or PALB2 Mutations

A clinical trial is comparing a two-drug combination with a three-drug combination to see which works better for genetic mutations.

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.

Research
July 8, 2025 • 6 Min

Treating Cancer By Mutation, Not by Tumor Location

Dr. Conan Kinsey outlines the latest basket trials, which focus on tumor mutation, not the location of the cancer.

Research
June 11, 2019 • 6 Min

ASCO Annual Conference: Highlights in Pancreatic Cancer Research

Dr. Allyson Ocean reviews some of the latest pancreatic cancer research results, including new treatments for some patients.

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.

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.

Research
December 23, 2019 • 5 Min

Looking Back at the Year in Research: 2019

Research highlights of 2019 include: approval of a PARP inhibitor, artificial intelligence to diagnose pancreatic cysts, and updated radiation guidelines.

Research
May 9, 2025 • 6 Min

Highlights from the 2025 AACR Annual Meeting

Drugs to target KRAS, better imaging for earlier detection, and cachexia prediction are among the research highlights from AACR 2025.

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.

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.

Research
October 12, 2023 • 8 Min

Pancreatic Cancer Research Builds Upon Strengths

The September 2023 AACR Special Conference on Pancreatic Cancer focused on the latest research in KRAS, chemotherapy, and cachexia, among other topics.