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.

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 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.

Survivor Stories
March 29, 2023 • 4 Min

A Second Opinion Felt Right

Bonnie Dahl considered treatment for stage I pancreatic cancer near home but felt a second opinion and a bigger cancer center were important.

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.

Survivor Stories
August 25, 2017 • 4 Min

Far More Time than I Originally Expected

After a Whipple procedure, SBRT, and chemotherapy, Robert Glazier is staying informed about treatment options for pancreatic cancer.

Screening and Early Detection
July 14, 2022 • 5 Min

New Gastrointestinal Screening Guidelines for High-Risk Patients

Get informed about the latest pancreatic cancer screening guidelines for high-risk patients from gastroenterologist Dr. Amitabh Chak.

Survivor Stories
June 11, 2021 • 2 Min

Faith in My Survival

Harry Schlechte had a Whipple procedure for his pancreatic cancer, but he credits his faith for getting him through treatment.

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.

Chemotherapy and Radiation
February 7, 2025 • 4 Min

More Info = Less Fear

Dwayne Montgomery traveled to MD Anderson for a second opinion but the doctors there told him about an expert Whipple surgeon in his hometown.

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
February 17, 2021 • 3 Min

Time and Hope

Rose farmer Michael Francis wanted more time with his family, so he joined a clinical trial to treat his stage III pancreatic cancer.

Survivor Stories
August 22, 2019 • 3 Min

I’ll Never Stop Fighting

When Lynne Holcomb was diagnosed with stage IV pancreatic cancer, she kept fighting through treatment and made it onto a clinical trial.

Survivor Stories
May 10, 2019 • 5 Min

Molecular Profiling Leads to Non-Standard Pancreatic Cancer Treatments

With stage IV pancreatic cancer, Rick Baker got molecular profiling which helped direct his different treatments, including clinical trials.

Survivor Stories
February 6, 2023 • 4 Min

Using Humor to Face Pancreatic Cancer

Richard Liles has a stage IV pancreatic cancer diagnosis but feels it is very important to keep a sense of humor throughout.

Disease Management
April 14, 2016 • 5 Min

Three Ways to Be your Own Best Health Advocate

Leslie Michelson recommends putting together a health care team of friends, advocates and physicians for the best possible care after a cancer diagnosis.