As January ushers in the fourth annual National Pancreatic Cancer Clinical Trials Awareness Month, the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network is calling attention to the need for increased clinical trial participation to help improve patient outcomes for pancreatic cancer. The Pancreatic Cancer Action Network encourages all patients to consider clinical trials when exploring treatment options by contacting the Patient and Liaison Services (PALS) program.
“Patient participation in clinical trials is a key driver of innovative therapies for all cancers and is particularly vital in the area of pancreatic cancer treatment,” said Julie Fleshman, president and CEO of the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network. “Our PALS program is available as a primary resource for patients as they navigate complex medical topics so they can discuss treatments with their oncologists, then act swiftly to put treatment in motion.”
Additionally, the organization has the most comprehensive and up-to-date database of pancreatic cancer-specific clinical trials taking place nationwide and offers a customized eligibility search for patients.
“It is critical to help patients and their caregivers learn about treatment options, including clinical trials, as early as possible, particularly given the aggressive nature of the disease,” adds Fleshman. “Our organization has reached a new milestone with the Know Your Tumor initiative and our highly-trained PALS Associates are doing what no other organization has done in the fight against pancreatic cancer.”
In 2015, the organization is introducing Know Your Tumor, a new personalized medicine service for patients. Know Your Tumor provides patients who meet specific criteria access to molecular profiling of their tumor. The Know Your Tumor service is now available to provide patients access to information about the biology of their specific tumor. The results from the molecular profiling tests are compiled into a report reviewed by an expert with treatment options, including relevant clinical trials, that could assist the treating oncologist in more precise and personalized treatment planning. Know Your Tumor has eligibility criteria, and patients are screened through the organization’s PALS program which can be reached by calling the organization’s toll free number.
In 2015, it is estimated nearly 49,000 Americans will be diagnosed with pancreatic cancer and more than 40,500 will die from the disease. Only seven percent of those diagnosed will survive more than five years. A study by the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network, published in the journal Cancer Research, predicts that by 2020, pancreatic cancer will surpass breast and colorectal cancer to become the second leading cause of cancer-related death in the United States.
To learn more about the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network, the PALS program and clinical trials, please visit www.pancan.org/pals or call 877-272-6226 to speak with a PALS Associate.
About the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network
The Pancreatic Cancer Action Network is the national organization creating hope in a comprehensive way through research, patient support, community outreach and advocacy for a cure. The organization is leading the way to increase survival for people diagnosed with this devastating disease through a bold initiative — The Vision of Progress: Double Pancreatic Cancer Survival by 2020. Together, we can Wage Hope in the fight against pancreatic cancer by intensifying our efforts to heighten awareness, raise funds for comprehensive private research, and advocate for dedicated federal research to advance early diagnostics and better treatments and increase chances of survival.
For more information, go to www.pancan.org
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