Genetic Mutations

157 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
February 26, 2020 • 6 Min

Exploiting DNA Mutations For Pancreatic Cancer Treatment

Dr. James Cleary explains how the researchers at Dana-Farber are looking to make PARP inhibitors even more effective for pancreatic cancer patients.

Research
June 19, 2023 • 7 Min

Progress in BRCA-Related Cancers Highlighted By the Basser Center

The Basser Center for BRCA hosted a panel discussion of the latest breakthroughs and discoveries for BRCA-related cancers.

Page
July 19, 2023 • 5 Min

Family History

Does it Run in My Family? The connection between your family’s medical history and pancreatic cancer As you may already know, cancer can run in families. In fact, people carrying certain genetic mutations have an increased risk of getting cancers including breast, colon, prostate, ovarian, and pancreatic cancer. All told, researchers estimate that known genetic […]

Symptoms
February 9, 2022 • 5 Min

Understanding Who Is at High Risk for Pancreatic Cancer

Who is high-risk for pancreatic cancer? Oncologist Dr. Matthew Yurgelun explains high-risk populations and what steps to take if you meet the criteria.

Managing Your Care
December 30, 2025 • 6 Min

Making Sure Patients Get Genetic Testing

Dr. Janie Zheng explains her hospital’s protocol for making sure all new pancreatic cancer patients get genetic testing.

Research
September 15, 2025 • 5 Min

PLATINUM Clinical Trial Actively Recruiting

The PLATINUM clinical trial, for patients with BRCA and PALB2 mutations, seeks participants. Dr. Andrew Ko outlines the trial.

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.

Survivor Stories
November 14, 2025 • 8 Min

Not Just a Survivor . . . A Sur-thriver!

Jon Oelke found that he has a rare genetic mutation, which gives him a back-up plan for treatment if his initial chemo stops working.

Survivor Stories
April 11, 2022 • 6 Min

Cherishing the Simple Things

Elizabeth O’Connor has a PALB2 genetic mutation so her stage IV pancreatic cancer has responded to immunotherapy.

Research
January 9, 2019 • 6 Min

Pancreatic Cancer: 2018 Highlights And Looking Forward to 2019

Dr. Allyson Ocean leads an overview of the new treatments and protocol from 2018 as well as what are the next steps in treatment for 2019.

Survivor Stories
November 15, 2024 • 3 Min

Extensive Family History and Genetic Testing Leads to Early Detection

Sidney Levinson and his doctor were aware of his BRCA1/2 mutations so when an MRI was recommended for screening, Sidney did it.

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.

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.

Treatments
June 27, 2019 • 5 Min

Questions to Ask Before You Begin Chemotherapy

Do you want to better understand your pancreatic cancer treatment? Dr. Andrew Hendifar outlines important questions to ask before starting chemotherapy.

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.