Blog

121 Articles

Pancreatic cancer survivor Lora Kelly and her husband
Survivor Stories
December 1, 2016 • 4 Min

An Unexpected Diagnosis After Surgery

Lora Kelly had surgery to remove a cyst that turned out to be pancreatic cancer. Treatment including clinical trials keeps the cancer from returning.

microscope slide of Pancreas cross section embedded in paraffin wax, stained lavender, 10x magnification,
Research
November 11, 2016 • 2 Min

Immunotherapy to Help Shrink Pancreatic Tumors for Surgery

Researchers are looking at adding checkpoint drugs–a type of immunotherapy–to standard chemoradiation to shrink pancreatic cancer for surgery.

Pancreatic cancer patient Richard Valdes
Survivor Stories
October 26, 2016 • 4 Min

Buying Time for Another Clinical Trial

Richard Valdes has alternated standard pancreatic cancer treatments with clinical trials of immunotherapy and a pancreatic vaccine during his treatment.

Microscope image of four pancreatic cells with pinkish edges and green centers, against a dark background
Research
October 10, 2016 • 2 Min

A Novel Combination to Slow Pancreas Tumors that Cannot Be Surgically Removed

Can a combination of standard drugs, a PARP inhibitor, and intensity modulated radiation therapy to slow pancreatic tumor growth?

Close up of a microscope in lighting with blues, purples and greens
Research
September 14, 2016 • 2 Min

Slowing the Growth of Pancreatic Tumors Before Surgery

A chemoradiation clinical trial tests standard chemotherapy plus an anti-malaria drug and compares two types of radiation treatments, to slow tumor growth.

Pancreatic cancer survivor Camille Altgelt
Chemotherapy and Radiation
September 9, 2016 • 3 Min

Living with Pancreatic Cancer

Camille Altgelt searched for clinical trials for her pancreatic cancer but did not qualify. Her treatment with chemotherapy and radiation was successful.

Micrograph of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma showing cells in pink and dark purple with white spaces between.
Research
August 31, 2016 • 2 Min

A New Chemotherapy and Radiation Regimen to Shrink Tumors Before Surgery

Researchers are testing a new combination of chemotherapies and radiation to shrink pancreatic cancer tumors and make surgical removal possible.

Pancreatic cancer survivor Judith Zitiello
Survivor Stories
August 26, 2016 • 2 Min

Making a Risky Choice

Judith Zitiello’s pancreatic cancer was wrapped around the hepatic artery, but she chose the laparoscopic Whipple procedure instead of chemotherapy alone.

In shades of light brown, beige, and white, stalks of grasses against a tan background
Survivor Stories
August 2, 2016 • 3 Min

Currently in the Fight, at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center

A woman’s treatment for non-operable pancreatic cancer at Memorial Sloan Kettering includes FOLFIRINOX and stereotactic body radiation therapy.

Close up photo of microscope lenses over a slide
Research
July 28, 2016 • 6 Min

Novel Drug Therapy Kills Pancreatic Cancer Cells by Reducing Levels of Antioxidants

New research finds that reducing antioxidants can help kill pancreatic cancer cells, suggesting a new direction for treatment.

Pancreatic cancer patient Kim Vernick and her dog
Survivor Stories
July 18, 2016 • 3 Min

The Alien Inside Me

Kim Vernick details the clinical trial and surgery used to treat her pancreatic cancer. When the cancer returns she explains the treatment she got.

Pancreatic cancer survivor Cindy Lopez
Survivor Stories
July 5, 2016 • 3 Min

Pancreatic Cancer Can Mimic Other Health Problems

Cindy Lopez thought she had back problems, but she was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. Chemotherapy and radiation shrunk the tumor for surgery.

Dr. Nicholas Nissen and pancreatic cancer patient Larry Clark
Survivor Stories
June 17, 2016 • 3 Min

When You Embrace the Enemy, It Changes Everything

Larry Clark describes how pancreatic cancer changed his retirement. He has pursued clinical trials as he faces recurring pancreatic cancer.

Mcrofuge tubes with writing on the caps, sitting in an orange rack
Research
April 18, 2016 • 5 Min

Putting the Immune System on the Offensive

A discussion of immunology in cancer treatment, focusing on the work of Elizabeth Jaffe, M.D., and her cancer vaccine and checkpoint inhibitors.

Pancreatic cancer survivor Dr. Sharon Seibel
Survivor Stories
April 3, 2016 • 4 Min

My BRCA2 Mutation Turned Out to Be Both the Curse and the Cure

Sharon Seibel knew she had the BRCA2 mutation but was unaware of the link to pancreatic cancer. Her chemotherapy was one for BRCA carriers.