Who we are.

Join the fight against pancreatic cancer! The 2015 Pancreatic Cancer Research Walk is Sunday, November 1st at Sloan's Lake Park, Denver, CO.

All the money raised goes directly to pancreatic cancer research thanks to the Lustgarten Foundation!

Sunday, July 31, 2011

Celebrity Chef Sandwich Charity Challenge Support Lustgarten


Michael Ferraro from New York, NY, Executive Chef of Delicatessen and macbar. Recently named one of Zagat's "30 Under 30: New York's Hottest Up-and-Comers," Michael competes for the Lustgarten Foundation with his "Pan-Roasted Chicken Thigh Sandwich, Castelvetrano Olive Pesto, Tri Color Roasted Pepper Aioli, Burrata Cheese on Ciabatta Bread."

Please click on the link www.makethatsandwich.com for complete details and to vote for Michael.  If Michael wins, The Lustgarten Foundation will receive $10,000!!  You can vote everyday between now and Labor Day.

Friday, July 29, 2011

Clavis and Clovis collaboration to tackle problem of Gemzar (gemcitabine) resistance - New hope for pancreatic and non-small cell lung cancers

11th March 2010 16:47



According to our 2009 feature Commercial Insight: Cytotoxic Therapies, the cytotoxics market was worth $13.8 billion in 2008 across the seven major pharmaceutical markets, and is forecast to grow to $18.7 billion by 2018, achieving a CAGR of 3.1%.

In 2008, Taxotere (docetaxel; Sanofi-Aventis), Eloxatin (oxaliplatin; Sanofi-Aventis) and Gemzar (gemcitabine; Eli Lilly) were the top three cytotoxics, with sales over $1 billion.

Today’s editorial focuses on one of these blockbuster cytotoxics, gemcitabine, or to be more precise, a fatty acid derivative of this agent, CP-4126 which is currently being developed by Clavis

Gemcitabine was initially launched in the 1990’s as a treatment for non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and pancreatic cancer and it is now part of first line treatment for both. Gemcitabine is also indicated for other cancers such as metastatic breast cancer, ovarian cancer and bladder cancer.

The cancer pipeline is burgeoning, driven by the continued incidence of the disease, continued unmet needs and patent expiries. The majority of the cancer pipeline is comprised of targeted therapies and improved cytotoxics. Gemcitabine is a good example of the current status of oncology R&D. With generics already on the market following patent expiration in some markets and acquired drug resistance limiting the continued efficacy of gemcitabine the clinic is ready for a super-gemcitabine. This is particularly the case given continued unmet needs for improved treatments of indications for this drug.

Our 2008 feature Pipeline Insight: Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer - Emerging Therapies highlights the problems around NSCLC. In 2008, the incidence of NSCLC was estimated to have exceeded 367,000 new cases in the seven major pharmaceutical markets. The prognosis for patients with the disease remains poor. In one pivotal study median survival time was just 9 months in combination with cisplatin.
Pancreatic cancer is far less common than NSCLC but remains a significant problem all the same. Estimated incidence is 91,000 across the 7 major markets. According to a report published last year Pancreatic Cancer - Gemzar Dominance Will Continue Among High Levels of Persistent Unmet Needs, only 15-20% of pancreatic cancer patients have resectable disease, therefore most receive systemic therapy. Gemcitabine forms the current standard of care for advanced disease. Despite this, no treatment is truly effective, with five-year survival at 5% for all stages of disease. Gemzar is only associated with median overall survival of 5.7 months and a one-year survival rate of 18%, statistics even more dismal than for NSCLC.

It is therefore clear that treatment of NSCLC and pancreatic cancer continues to be plagued by high levels of unmet need. Clavis is taking this need to task with CP-4126.

Activation of gemcitabine requires phosphorylation by deoxycytidine kinase; the active metabolite is incorporated into DNA and RNA. After its incorporation into DNA one or some more nucleotides can be added, after DNA polymerization stops. The nucleotide dFdCDP is also a potent inhibitor of DNA-synthesis inhibiting ribonucleotide reductase, which is the only enzyme providing the cells with deoxynucleotides which are essential for DNA synthesis. Resistance to gemcitabine may occur because it is hydrophilic therefore requiring active transport into tumor cells. One way of circumventing this problem is to develop fatty acid ester cytotoxic derivatives

Clavis Pharma has already gained success through this approach with esterified cytarabine derivative, CP-4055 which is in Phase 2 development for AML. Today we focus on CP-4126, a fatty acid derivative of gemcitabine. Both molecules were developed using the company's lipid vector technology

In the January issue of Investigational New Drugs, Bergman et report the preclinical profile of CP-4126. Across a wide variety of cancer cells CP-4126 and gemcitabine displayed similar potencies (IC50 approximated to 100nM). Of importance, while inhibition of nucleoside transport decreased sensitivity to gemcitabine by up to 200-fold, CP-4126 suffered little effect.

The authors proceeded to evaluate CP-4126 in various xenograft models and found efficacy similar to gemcitabine in melanoma, sarcoma, lung, prostate, pancreatic and breast cancer xenografts. Importantly and in contrast to gemcitabine, CP-4126 could be administered orally.

We have seen a recent trend towards developing orally active forms of existing oncology agents. For example, Capecitabine, has been developed as an oral version of 5-fluorouracil. CP-4126 might show significant benefit as a future oral alternative for gemcitabine in addition to its ability to circumvent resistance resulting from cellular access. Clavis has been developing CP-4126 clinically as oral and iv formulations. CP-4126 has recently received orphan drug designation in the US and EU (Press Release) and is currently in a phase 2 trial (link to clinicaltrials.gov entry) of newly diagnosed, advanced pancreatic cancer. The study was initiated in April 2009 and results are expected in H1 2012. Of interest we understand that Clavis has been exploring the development of a biomarker diagnostic method for determining which patients would benefit from the drug. We presume that this test will probe the nucleoside transporter. LeadDiscovery expects investigation in other indication to follow and this is likely to be accelerated given recent news that Clavis and Clovis Oncology has signed a US$380 million partnership agreement for the development and commercialisation of CP-4126. Under the terms of the agreement, Clovis Oncology will take over responsibility for product development and manufacturing of CP-4126 as CO-101, and for filing of marketing approvals in the United States, Europe, Canada, Central and South America. Clovis Oncology will also be responsible for commercialisation of CP-4126/CO-101 in those territories

Related Reports (Please note significant discounts are available on some of these reports - contact us for further details)

Golf for Andy and for a cure for pancreatic cancer

Lustgarten Foundation fundraiser at Port Jeff Country Club on Aug. 8


July 07, 2011 | 10:59 AM

Pancreatic cancer is the fifth leading cause of cancer in both men and women. Last year it claimed 36,800 lives in the United States alone, according to the National Cancer Institute. One of those was my father, Anders S. Pedersen of Port Jefferson. He was 63 years old. After a few months of complaining of what seemed to be acid reflux, he was given six months to live and, in spite of opting to endure painful chemotherapy in an attempt to battle the cancer at its worst stage, died four months later.

In order to cope with the devastation of watching my father, a physically strong and seemingly healthy man, depart this life in such a horrible way, I reached out to the Lustgarten Foundation, an organization dedicated solely to pancreatic cancer awareness and research.

PedersenDrkBlue
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Port Jefferson resident Andy Pedersen died of pancreatic cancer. Photo from Kristina Pedersen. (click for larger version)
One of The Lustgarten Foundation's most important goals is to find a test for early detection to give persons diagnosed with pancreatic cancer a greater chance of beating the disease.

Pancreatic cancer has been called the silent killer. Symptoms may be vague. When the ailment is eventually diagnosed as pancreatic cancer, the course of action or treatment available is mostly for the purpose of pain management.

It is the most painful form of cancer. Sufferers often choose not to eat or drink in order to minimize the pain. My father loved his red wine, but when the symptoms first started to appear, drinking a glass of red wine was like drinking a glass of acid, so he stopped drinking wine altogether. At times before his final days he would still say all he really wanted to do was have one glass of wine.

After my father passed away on June 24, I organized a golf outing along with other family members and dear friends in remembrance of my father. That golf outing will be held at the Port Jefferson Country Club on Aug. 8, rain or shine. Our goal is to raise $10,000 to go directly to The Lustgarten Foundation for its important research.

We wish to increase awareness to support Pancreatic cancer research, but also honor the life of Andy Pedersen, a stoic and vibrant gentleman, a genuinely kind person and a fantastic father. The event will begin as a shotgun start at 7:30 am and will end with a celebration at the Miller Place Surf Club. Interested parties can find out more information about the outing, and also make a tax-deductible donation in Andy's name directly at www.lustgartenfoundation.org.

Thursday, July 28, 2011

Support Lustgarten: 4th Annual Beefsteak Dinner & Auction

Mark your calendars! 
The 4th Annual Beefsteak Dinner & Auction will be on Friday July 29, 2011 at The Brownstone House in Paterson, NJ.
Round up your friends and family, practice building your bread towers, dust off your dancing shoes and come help us raise money for the Lustgarten Foundation! Every year the event is more fun and more successful than the last and we want to continue the trend – don’t miss out! Tickets are $70 each, or $600 for a table of 10.


Please RSVP by following this link or emailing us at info@lapinskifoundation.org.     



     2011 is a big year for the Joseph Lapinski Foundation! In addition to our annual Beefsteak Dinner & Auction, this year we introduced two great new events - the Charity Hockey Classic and our First Annual Golf Outing.

We are especially excited because funds raised at this year's events will benefit the Lustgarten Foundation for Pancreatic Cancer Research, which is a cause that is extremely important to us here at the Joseph Lapinski Foundation.

The two inaugural events were already hugely successful, and we are working hard to make our 4th Annual Beefsteak Dinner & Auction even better.

We hope to see you there!  

http://www.lapinskifoundation.org/events

Pancreatic Cancer Alternative Treatment

For some people with pancreatic cancer, alternative treatment may be a way to ease stress or reduce symptoms and side effects of the disease. Most people use these methods along with more standard treatments for pancreatic cancer. Alternative options may include such things as acupuncture, massage therapy, and meditation. Patients considering such treatments should discuss them first with their healthcare provider.

Alternative Treatment for Pancreatic Cancer: An Overview
Some people use pancreatic cancer alternative treatment to help relieve symptoms of the disease. It can also help minimize medication side effects or even help with stress when coping with pancreatic cancer. In most cases, people will combine alternative treatments with standard treatment, such as surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy.
 

Types of Alternative Treatment

Alternative ways to treat pancreatic cancer may involve:
 
  • Acupuncture
  • Massage therapy
  • Herbal products
  • Vitamins or special diets
  • Visualization
  • Meditation
  • Spiritual healing.
 
Some types of treatment may interfere with standard methods. Therefore, patients should talk to their healthcare provider prior to starting any alternative treatments.
 

Pancreatic Cancer Alternative Treatment for Pain

Pain is a common problem for people with pancreatic cancer.
 In addition to standard treatments to reduce or relieve pain associated with pancreatic cancer, members of the healthcare team may suggest alternative methods. These pain relief methods may include such things as:
 
  • Massage therapy
  • Acupuncture
  • Acupressure
  • Relaxation techniques. 

Wednesday, July 27, 2011

The Pancreatic Cancer Research & Education Act

On June 14, 2011, 550 advocates for pancreatic cancer awareness stormed Capitol Hill in an effort to get Senators and Congressmen from all 50 states in the Union to co-sponsor The Pancreatic Cancer Research & Education Act (S-362/HR-733).

This was the first year ALL 50 STATES were represented!

Support Lustgarten: 2011 Pancreatic Cancer Research Walks

Join us in the search for a cure!

We may come from different ‘walks of life,’ but we all join the Pancreatic Cancer Research Walk for the same reasons – to support research aimed at early detection methods, better treatments, and ultimately, a cure for this disease. We join to make a difference in the lives of future generations, and to celebrate those we love.


Since its inception in 2001, Pancreatic Cancer Research Walk has raised more than $12 million!
Thank you for taking a personal role in the fight against pancreatic cancer. This year, we have set our Walk fundraising goal higher than ever, and hope that you too will raise your personal fundraising bar!


2011 Pancreatic Cancer Research Walks


Arizona

Green Valley Walk

Saturday, March 19, 2011 at La Posada Green Valley Campus, Green Valley, AZ

Tempe Walk

Sunday, February 27, 2011 at Tempe Beach Park, Tempe, AZ


California

Fremont Walk

Date to be determined at Lake Elizabeth (Central Park), Fremont, CA
Website coming soon!

Westlake Village Walk/Run

Saturday, February 12, 2011 At Westlake Village City Hall, Westlake Village, CA


Colorado

Denver Walk

Sunday, November 6, 2011 at Sloan's Lake Park, Denver, CO
Website coming soon!


Connecticut

Cromwell 18-Whole Stoll

Sunday, June 26, 2011 Location to be determined
Website coming soon!


Delaware

Wilmington Walk

Saturday, April 30, 2011 at Delcastle Park, Wilmington, DE


Illinois

Chicago Walk/Run

Saturday, June 4, 2011 at Grant Park, Chicago, IL

Naperville Walk

Date to be determined, at Naperville Pavilion, Naperville, IL
Website coming soon!


Indiana

Indianapolis Walk

Date and location to be determined.
Website coming soon!


Iowa

Cedar Rapids Walk

Sunday, September 18, 2011 at Noleridge Lagoon, Cedar Rapids, IA
Website coming soon!


Kansas

Olathe Walk

Sunday, September 25, 2011 at Heritage Park, Olathe, KS
Website coming soon!


Massachusetts

Boston Walk

Sunday, October 2, 2011 at Castle Island, Boston, MA
Website coming soon!

Westborough Run / Walk

Sunday, April 10, 2011 at Westborough Tennis & Swim Club, Westboro, MA

Wilbraham Walk

Date to be determined, Mile Tree School, Wilbraham, MA
Website coming soon!


Missouri

Linn Creek

Date and location to be determined.
Website coming soon!

St. Louis Walk

Saturday, September 10 at Frontier Park, St. Charles, MO
Website coming soon!


New Jersey

Bridgewater Walk

Saturday, September 17, 2011at Duke Island Park, Bridgewater, NJ
Website coming soon!

Monmouth Walk

Sunday, May 15, 2011 at Monmouth University, West Long Branch, NJ

Paramus Walk

Sunday, September 18, 2011 at Bergen Community College, Paramus, NJ
Website coming soon!

Pennsauken Walk

Sunday, October 2, 2011 at Cooper River Park, Pennsauken, NJ
Website coming soon!

Randolph Walk

Sunday, September 18, 2011 at County College of Morris, Randolph, NJ
Website coming soon!


New York

Albany Walk

Sunday, September 11, 2011 at  Elm Avenue Town Park, Delmar, NY
Website coming soon!

Brooklyn Walk

Sunday, May 15, 2011 at Marine Park, Brooklyn, NY

Liverpool Walk

Saturday, June 11, 2011 at Onondaga Lake Park, Liverpool, NY
Website coming soon!

Long Island Walk

Sunday, October 9, 2011 at Jones Beach, Wantagh, NY
Website coming soon!

New York City Walk

Sunday,  April 3, 2011 at Riverside Park, New York, NY

Westchester Walk

Sunday, April 10, 2011 at Rye Town Park and Playland Park, Rye, NY


North Carolina

Charlotte Walk

Saturday, May 14, 2011 at Frank Liske Park, Concord, NC


Pennsylvania

Lehigh Valley Walk

Sunday, September 25, 2011 at Lehigh Parkway, Allentown, PA
Website coming soon!


Texas

Dallas Walk

Date to be determined at Katy Trail, Reverchon Park, Dallas, TX
Website coming soon!


For more information visit: http://www.lustgarten.org/Page.aspx?pid=824

Tuesday, July 26, 2011

Screening for Pancreatic Cancer in High-Risk Populations

ScienceDaily (July 25, 2011) — 

Researchers from New England report in a new study that using a tumor marker, serum CA 19-9, combined with an endoscopic ultrasound if the tumor marker is elevated, is more likely to detect stage 1 pancreatic cancer in a high-risk population than by using the standard means of detection. The study appears in the July issue of GIE: Gastrointestinal Endoscopy, the monthly peer-reviewed scientific journal of the American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (ASGE).



Pancreatic cancer is the fourth leading cause of cancer death in the United States. Advanced disease at diagnosis correlates directly with worse overall survival. Symptoms of abdominal pain, jaundice, and/or weight loss often do not appear until the tumor is locally advanced or metastatic, at which point effective treatment options are very limited. By contrast, detection and resection of pancreatic cancer, when it is confined to the pancreas (stage 1 disease), improves overall survival. An effective screening protocol is urgently needed to detect earlier stage tumors. Imaging methods that have been used for pancreatic cancer screening include endoscopic ultrasound (EUS), CT, endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) and magnetic resonance imaging/MRCP.

There has been limited success in screening younger populations using the tumor marker CA19-9, so more recent pancreatic cancer screening protocols have focused on high-risk populations. It is estimated that 10 percent of patients in whom pancreatic cancer develops have at least one first-degree relative with the disease. Multiple cohort and case-control studies have demonstrated that a family history of a first-degree relative with pancreatic cancer significantly increases a patient's risk of the development of pancreatic cancer, approximately two to five-fold. The risk of the development of pancreatic cancer increases significantly as the number of affected family members increases. Advanced age is also a significant risk factor, and 93 percent of patients with pancreatic cancer present after the age of 50.

"Our hypothesis was that a high-risk population identified by age and at least one first-degree relative with pancreatic cancer can be successfully screened. Our objective was to determine whether early pancreatic neoplasia can be detected in a high-risk population by using tumor marker CA 19-9 followed by targeted endoscopic ultrasound. We also sought to determine whether this protocol was more likely to detect early stage pancreatic cancer than standard means of detection," said study lead author Richard Zubarik, MD, Fletcher Allen Health Care, University of Vermont. "Our results showed that potentially curative pancreatic adenocarcinoma can be identified with this screening protocol. Stage 1 pancreatic cancer is more likely to be detected by using this screening protocol than by using standard means of detection."


Methods
This prospective cohort study was conducted at the University of Vermont (UVM) and the Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center (DHMC). Patients were enrolled from September 2006 to July 2009. Patients included were between the ages of 50 and 80 and had at least one first-degree relative (parent, sibling, or child) with pancreatic cancer. Enrollment was initiated at age 45 if a patient had two first-degree relatives with pancreatic cancer and at age 40 if the person had a BRCA2 mutation or Peutz-Jeghers syndrome.

Serum CA 19-9 testing was performed on all patients. It was chosen as the initial screening method because it is acceptable to patients, easily obtainable, widely available, inexpensive, and relatively sensitive for the disease. Endoscopic ultrasound was performed only in patients with an elevated CA 19-9 level (a CA 19-9 value greater than 37 U/mL was considered elevated) regardless of whether only one or more than one family member was affected with pancreatic cancer.

Patients who were diagnosed with pancreatic cancer at UVM (but were not enrolled in the CA 19-9/EUS study) during the same period were prospectively identified and used as the comparison group. These patients were identified by the Cancer Data Registry at the University of Vermont. Charts were then reviewed to verify tumor type, staging data and survival.


Results
A total of 546 patients were enrolled in the study. CA 19-9 was elevated in 27 patients (4.9 percent). Neoplastic or malignant findings were detected in five patients (0.9 percent), and pancreatic cancer in one patient (0.2 percent). The patient with pancreatic cancer detected as part of this study was one of two patients presenting to the University of Vermont with stage 1 cancer. One-year follow-up contact was performed by telephone in 519 patients (95 percent), by chart review in 24 patients (four percent), and by review of the social security death index in three patients (less than one percent). Pancreatic cancer was not detected at the one-year follow-up in any additional patients.

In the comparison group, a total of 124 patients received a diagnosis of pancreatic cancer between September 2006 and July 2009. Staging of the comparison group at the time of presentation was as follows: stage 1, one patient (0.9 percent); stage 2, 52 patients (45.6 percent); stage 3, 20 patients (17.5 percent); stage 4, 41 patients (36 percent). The patient detected in the CA 19-9/EUS study had stage 1 disease, whereas only 0.9 percent of patients in the comparison group presented with stage 1 disease. This difference was statistically significant despite only having one patient with pancreatic cancer detected in the study group because the detection of stage 1 cancer in the comparison group was so rare. Median survival for the 122 subjects in the comparison group was seven months, with a 2-year survival rate of 10 percent.

The results conclude that potentially curative pancreatic cancer can be identified with CA 19-9 and targeted EUS. Stage 1 pancreatic cancer is more likely to be detected by using this screening protocol than by using standard means of detection. Potential advantages include acceptable rates of disease diagnosis and exclusion as well as acceptable costs (cost to detect 1 pancreatic neoplasia was $8,431, while the cost to detect 1 pancreatic cancer was $41,133). In particular, the patient with pancreatic cancer detected with this screening protocol is alive without evidence of recurrence three years after surgical resection and is the longest survivor of pancreatic cancer detected in a published screening protocol. Also, evidence of pancreatic cancer did not develop in subjects with negative screening studies, at least in short-term follow-up.

The researchers note that the sample size is adequate only to demonstrate the feasibility of this approach, but summarized that this trial successfully screened a high-risk patient population for pancreatic cancer based on age and genetic predisposition. Early pancreatic cancer, associated with prolonged disease-free survival, can be detected as part of this pancreatic screening protocol. Stage 1 pancreatic cancer was more likely to be detected with CA 19-9 and targeted EUS, and it appears to be superior to the standard means of pancreatic cancer detection.

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/07/110725152858.htm

Alternative treatment options for pancreatic cancer

According to the Medical Subject Headings (MeSH) Section staff of the National Library of Medicine alternative medicine, classified under the term complementary therapies, is defined as therapeutic practices which are not currently considered an integral part of conventional medical practice.

They may lack biomedical explanations but as they become better researched some, such as physical therapy, diet, and acupuncture, become widely accepted whereas others, such as humors or radium therapy, quietly fade away. Therapies are termed as Complementary when used in addition to conventional treatments and as Alternative when used instead of conventional treatment.

Alternative therapies include, but are not limited to the following disciplines: folk medicine, herbal medicine, diet fads, homeopathy, faith healing, new age healing, chiropractic, acupuncture, naturopathy, massage, and music therapy.

We believe alternative medicine should be considered a supplement to - not a replacement for - traditional medicine.
Also, keep these points in mind:
When viewing sites maintained by adherents of a particular alternative approach, be aware that they are going to be enthusiastic about their methods. Be skeptical, but open-minded.

Although anecdotal evidence may be valid, look for scientific evidence that a procedure works. Unfortunately, many unorthodox therapies have not been subjected to rigorous scientific testing - even though they might be effective in certain instances.

When people believe a therapy will work, they will sometimes sense an improvement. This phenomenon, known as the "Placebo Effect," tends to confound things, especially in alternative medicine.

Before trying any new technique or alternative approach, discuss the possible side effects and ramifications with your physician or healthcare provider.


Please visit the following websites for information on alternative and complimentary therapies:
  • Simm/Mann UCLA Center for Integrative Oncology
    Provides information and support to women experiencing the effects of cancers and their treatments.
     
  • National Center for Complimentary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM)
    NCCAM explores complementary and alternative healing practices in the context of rigorous science, trains researchers, and provides authoritative information to the public and professionals.
     
  • Office of Cancer Complementary & Alternative Medicine (OCCAM)
    The Office of Cancer Complementary and Alternative Medicine (OCCAM) is an office of the National Cancer Institute (NCI) in the Division of Cancer Treatment and Diagnosis. OCCAM is responsible for NCI’s research agenda in complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) as it relates to cancer prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and symptom management.
     
  • Yo San University
    Yo San University teaches acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), including tai chi and qigong, and operate a professional community Acupuncture Clinic. Yo San University is located in Los Angeles California.
     
     
  • Holistic Online
    Comprehensive information about your health. Features conventional, alternative, integrative, and mind-body medicine.
     
  • Cancer Treatment Centers of America
    Learn about a complete range of traditional and new innovative cancer treatment therapies designed to treat your mind, body, and soul, not just your cancer.
     
  • Acupuncture.com
    Superior books, videos, herbs and teas by Master Hua-Ching Ni, 36th generation Traditional Chinese Medical Doctor. Immunity boosting, energy enhancing, detoxifying, strengthening and healing formulae of the Tao.  
      
  • Alternative Care Clinics
    We provide patients with a reliable referral to a qualified California licensed physician. Southern California patients can be evaluated to see if medical marijuana can benefit their condition in a safe, confidential and professional environment.
     
  • A Personal Story
    Pancreatic Cancer-A Holistic Approach By Yehuda Ben-Asher, MD 

Monday, July 25, 2011

Pan Can awards research grand

GRANTEE: JENNIFER BAILEY, PHD
Institution: Johns Hopkins University
Research Project: Stop the Start: Novel Insights into PanIN Initiation and Progression
Award: Pancreatic Cancer Action Network – AACR Pathway to Leadership Grant
Award Period: July 1, 2011 – June 30, 2016
Amount: $600,000




Biographical Highlights
Dr. Bailey earned her PhD from the Eppley Institute at University of Nebraska Medical Center, examining the role of the Hedgehog pathway in pancreatic cancer. She performed her thesis work in the laboratory of Dr. Tony Hollingsworth, a member and former chair of the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network’s Scientific Advisory Board. Currently, Dr. Bailey is a postdoctoral fellow in the department of surgery at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine. She has been invited to present her work at national and international meetings, and also has first-author publications in several prestigious biomedical journals.

The mentored phase of Dr. Bailey’s proposed project will be under the guidance of Drs. Steven Leach and Anirban Maitra. Dr. Maitra is the recipient of a 2004 Pancreatic Cancer Action Network Career Development grant and the organization is proud to see him now in a position to help guide the career of another young scientist.

Dr. Bailey describes herself as a distance runner, an ironman triathlete, and, most importantly, a scientist. Through her research experience, Dr. Bailey has witnessed the painful challenges experienced by pancreatic cancer patients, and personally suffered the loss of her grandfather to this devastating disease. Dr. Bailey is therefore dedicated to spending the remainder of her career studying and combating pancreatic cancer, with ambitious goals of improving treatment options and discovering biomarkers to aid in earlier detection.

Project Overview
The majority of pancreatic tumors display mutations in a gene called Kras. Activation of the Kras protein confers a survival advantage on the cells, signaling them to continue growing, even in the presence of anti-cancer therapies. Kras mutation and subsequent activation of the protein are thought to occur very early in the development of pancreatic cancer.

Dr. Bailey proposes to study the activation of Kras during the most initial stages of pancreatic cancer, even before a tumor or precancerous abnormality (known as pancreatic intraepithelial neoplasm, or PanIN) is detectable. Dr. Bailey will create a mouse model of pancreatic cancer where a fluorescent tag is attached to the Kras gene, allowing visualization of the specific timing and cellular location of Kras activation. Analyses of the genetic and biochemical features of cells immediately following Kras activation will provide insights into the earliest stages of pancreatic cancer. Moreover, it is still unclear which specific cell type within the pancreas gives rise to pancreatic tumors, so this model will be instrumental in addressing that question. A deeper understanding of the biology of the earliest stages of pancreatic cancer can shed light on better methods to detect and treat the disease before it has progressed to a more aggressive stage.  

Sunday, July 24, 2011

Time for Timer - "You are what you eat!"

A classic reminder that good nutrition is important to preventing and battling cancer.

Saturday, July 23, 2011

Let's beat pancreatic cancer! Volunteer to help!

Are you or someone in your family struggling with pancreatic cancer?  

Do you want to get involved and help fight this awful disease?  

Join the team of Coloradans running the Lustgarten Pancreatic Cancer Walk. It's an annual event started by the Phillips Family that's held at Sloan's Lake each November.  

While there is a dedicated team, we can always use more help!!  Not only would you be supporting a great cause, but you'll also have the opportunity to others whose lives have been touched by pancreatic cancer.  We're one community fighting for a cure.

What to volunteer?  Email us at: rphill1126@yahoo.com or kimphillips14@gmail.com

Friday, July 22, 2011

RUNNER'S WORLD: OUTRUNNING CANCER

HERE'S THE STORY:


Runners raised more than $650 million for cancer charities last year. Runner’s World has made it easy for more runners to get involved in the fight. Join us and let’s outrun cancer together.


 
 

In the July issue of Runner’s World, we explore the powerful link between running and cancer, a disease that will kill 570,000 Americans this year. We also created seven different covers, each featuring a cancer survivor (check out the photos to the left—you may recognize a certain cyclist).
 
We’ve learned that when we tell inspiring stories, our readers do more than just marvel—they want to help. So, for the first time ever, we're going beyond our primary mission of telling stories and we’re working with Crowdrise so YOU can make a difference.
 
We’ve compiled a list of cancer charities with a running connection—be it a race or a marathon training team. You can either make a donation to that organization (click “donate”) or you create your own fundraiser (click “join the team”). Then, tell your friends! Share this page with the email, Facebook, and Twitter buttons above. (To see a list of the charities organized by type of cancer go here.)
 
Small steps? Perhaps. But runners all know how far small steps can get us, especially working together. Let’s outrun cancer for good.
 
 
PRIZES! PRIZES!
 

* SWEET BIKE: Donate $50 or more by 7/31 and be entered for a chance to win a Raleigh Revenio Bicycle, valued at $729.99! (Official rules below.)
* OTHER FREE STUFF: We’ll give our fundraisers highly coveted Runner’s World schwag at random, and for winning mini contests.

* FIVE THOUSAND BUCKS: Runner’s World and Rodale Inc., the publisher of Runner's World and Runnersworld.com, will donate $5,000 to the charity that raises the most money through September 5. (Official rules below.)
  
 

 


http://www.crowdrise.com/runnersworld