Blog

63 Articles

Hands holding an image of DNA analysis, in blue light.
Treatments
December 1, 2017 • 6 Min

Before You Leap: Genetic Testing for Pancreatic Cancer

Genetic counselor Megan Frone outlines the advantages of genetic testing when there is a family history of pancreatic cancer.

FAQs on a purple background with an icon showing speech bubbles with question marks and lines for text
Treatments
November 1, 2017 • 5 Min

Frequently Asked Questions About Pancreatic Cancer

Have you or someone you love just been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer? Learn some basic facts about this disease from our FAQ.

Gloria Peterson, Ph.D.
Research
October 12, 2017 • 5 Min

Tumor Genetics Research Brings Some Answers for Families at High Risk

Professor Gloria Peterson of the Mayo Clinic is working on tumor genetics to help make early detection of pancreatic cancer a reality.

Dr. Diane Simeone
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.

Dr. Robert Kurtz
Research
September 18, 2017 • 4 Min

A Registry for Those at Risk for Pancreatic Cancer

Dr. Robert Kurtz founded the Pancreatic Tumor Registry at Memorial Sloan Kettering to learn more about the genetic mutations that cause pancreatic cancer.

Abstract image of DNA structure, with linked balls of greens on the left and reds and pinks on the right, forming a spiral net
Research
September 12, 2017 • 2 Min

New Drug for BRCA Carriers with Advanced Cancer

A phase I clinical trial is testing the effectiveness of a platinum-based drug for BRCA carriers with pancreatic, breast, and other cancers.

Illustration of a protein that includes the BRCA2 mutation. The illustration includes spirals in brown, strands in purple, blue directional arrows, and green, yellow, red, and blue circles.
Research
June 27, 2017 • 2 Min

A Maintenance Trial for Patients with BRCA or PALB2 Mutations

A clinical trial examines whether the PARP inhibitor rucaparib can work as a maintenance drug for pancreatic cancer patients with BRCA or PALB2 mutations.

Image of DNA analysis showing a series of darker and lighter orange-colored columns with thin horizontal red, yellow, white, and orange stripes indicating different genes
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.

Microscope image of pancreatic cells in purple and teal on a dark background
Research
April 18, 2017 • 2 Min

Testing a Signal-Inhibiting Drug on Tumors with Specific Mutations

A new drug for certain tumor mutations is being tested in a type of clinical trial called a basket trial, which matches tumor genetics and drugs.

Bloos sample tubes
Research
February 6, 2017 • 5 Min

Developing a Screening Test for Pancreatic Cancer

One focus of research for Dr. Anirban Maitra is to develop a simple screening test for pancreatic cancer, to provide an earlier diagnosis of the disease.

Microscope image of lipid bubbles
Research
December 19, 2016 • 3 Min

New Biopsy Shows Promise For Pancreatic Cancer Patients

Trovagene is developing a liquid biopsy for pancreatic cancer patients, to allow doctors to test for cancer and track treatment response.

Pasteur pipettes in a circle
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.

Laboratory equipment including pipes, pipettes
Research
October 21, 2016 • 5 Min

Can a Pancreatic Cancer Screening Test Become a Reality?

Dr. Felice Schnoll-Sussman discusses screening options for pancreatic cancer and criteria for people who might want to get screened.

Dr. Christine Iacobuzio-Donahue
Research
September 30, 2016 • 4 Min

Pancreatic Cancer Tissue Helps Unlock the Disease’s Secrets

Dr. Christine Iacobuzio-Donahue at Memorial Sloan Kettering is using techniques from evolutionary biology to learn how pancreatic cancer grows.

Illustration of DNA double helices in light and medium purple on a dark blue background
Symptoms
July 8, 2016 • 4 Min

Understanding a Family’s Risk for Pancreatic Cancer

A tumor registry studies the genetics of pancreatic cancer to determine risk factors for families.