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!

Tuesday, May 31, 2011

Pancreatic Cancer Treatment at the University of Colorado Cancer Center


If you or one of your family members has received a diagnosis of pancreatic cancer, you’ll need a caring and committed team on your side.

You can turn to the University of Colorado Cancer Center. As the Rocky Mountain leader in cancer research, we have access to the latest advances in pancreatic cancer treatments.

Our pancreatic cancer team creates and maintains a care plan based on each patient’s unique situation. Then, the same doctors and support professionals stay with you throughout your journey, from initial testing and support to treatment and aftercare.

 

Support, research and care like that are among the reasons our 5-year cancer survival rates for many types of cancer are up to 30% higher than state, regional and national averages.

To begin your journey with your own committed and caring team of pancreatic cancer experts, call us at (720) 848-0300.

Pancreatic Cancer at a Glance

·        About 95% of pancreatic cancer begins in the exocrine cells that make digestive juices.
·        Islet Cell Tumors, or endocrine pancreas cancers, are rare.
·        A little more than 40,000 people are diagnosed with pancreatic cancer each year.
·        Over the past 15 to 25 years, rates of pancreatic cancer have dropped slightly in men and women. Research suggests the drop may be correlated with a decline in smoking rates in the general public.

Source: American Cancer Society

For more information, visit:
http://www.uch.edu/conditions/cancer/gastrointestinal-cancer/pancreatic/index.aspx

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.

Monday, May 30, 2011

World Cancer Day: 340,000 Cases Of Cancer A Year In The U.S. Could Be Prevented

First Posted: 02/ 4/11 12:09 PM ET Updated: 04/ 6/11 05:12 AM ET


Prevention estimates announced today, World Cancer Day, by the American Institute for Cancer Research (AICR) and World Cancer Research Fund (WCRF) show that by eating a varied and healthy diet, undertaking regular physical activity, being at a healthy weight and limiting alcohol intake, as many as 340,000 cases of cancer in United States could be prevented each year.
Cancer
These findings are further supported by the World Health Organization's (WHO) new Global Recommendations on Physical Activity for Health. This landmark report reinforces the AICR/WCRF conclusion that regular physical activity can prevent many diseases such as breast and colon cancers, cardiovascular diseases, and diabetes. The report provides concrete recommendations for levels of physical activity needed for health at three ages (5-17 years, 18-64 years, and over age 65); these recommendations are especially helpful for low- and middle-income countries, where few national guidelines for physical inactivity exist.

"Physical activity is recommended for people of all ages as a means to reduce risks for certain types of cancers and other non-communicable diseases," says Dr. Tim Armstrong, from WHO's Department of Chronic Diseases and Health Promotion. "In order to improve their health and prevent several diseases, adults should do at least 150 minutes moderate physical activity throughout the week. This can be achieved by simply walking 30 minutes five times per week or by cycling to work daily".

To help fight the global cancer epidemic, the Union for International Cancer Control (UICC) is urging individuals to take action and sign the World Cancer Declaration at www.worldcancerday.org/signdeclaration as a first step to help reduce cancer cases.

Signing the Declaration will help UICC in its effort to motivate global leaders to set realistic and achievable directives for preventing cancer during the United Nations Summit for Non-Communicable Diseases. The announcement of this summit, to be held in September, 2011, is an unprecedented step in the battle against cancer.

"Support World Cancer Day by signing the World Cancer Declaration and help us achieve the goal of one million supporters for a Cancer Free World, said Dr. Eduardo Cazap, President of UICC. " With individuals, governments and policy makers of the world working together, we have the ability to ease the global burden of cancer now and for future generations." 

A Day to Remember - Memorial Day 2011


Happy Memorial Day Denver from the Colorado volunteers of the Denver Pancreatic Cancer Research Walk supporting the Lustgarten Foundation.  It's a weekend to be with friends and family and generally have fun!

Enjoy the beginning of summer, but in between BBQing and ushering in the season, take a few minutes to remember those who have fought to protect the United States.  Did you know that Memorial Day was started after the Civil War?  Read more below.  

Learn more about Memorial Day and how it started on Wikipedia: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Memorial_Day

Memorial Day is a United States federal holiday observed on the last Monday of May (May 30 in 2011). Formerly known as Decoration Day, it commemorates men and women who died while inmilitary service to the United States.[1] First enacted to honor Union and Confederate soldiers following the American Civil War,[2] it was extended after World War I to honor Americans who have died in all wars.

Memorial Day often marks the start of the summer vacation season, and Labor Day its end.
Began as a ritual of remembrance and reconciliation after the civil war, by the early 20th century, Memorial Day was an occasion for more general expressions of memory, as ordinary people visited the graves of their deceased relatives, whether they had served in the military or not. It also became a long weekend increasingly devoted to shopping, family gatherings, fireworks, trips to the beach, and national media events such as the Indianapolis 500 (since 1911) and the Coca-Cola 600 (since 1960) auto races.[3]

Sunday, May 29, 2011

Healthy Food Options in Denver: Watercourse Foods

A big part of managing pancreatic cancer is nutrition.  Fortunately, we all live in Colorado, where there are lots of healthy options.  This week's spotlight, Watercourse Foods ...


About Us

WaterCourse Foods is proud to serve a 100% vegetarian menu. Our style of comfort food has won over the hearts and stomachs of people from all types of dietary backgrounds. The greatest compliment we hear (and we hear it often) is when a initially reluctant patron, who was dragged in by their spouse or kids, says they never thought they would eat vegetarian food and now WaterCourse is their favorite restaurant.
Our Philosophy
WaterCourse Food's philosophy, like our food, is simple and accessible. We have created an atmosphere that welcomes everyone. We prepare fresh ingredients daily to produce incredibly satisfying vegetarian comfort foods in a welcoming environment served by a friendly and efficient wait staff for a reasonable price. We are proud to be members of the hospitality industry and adhere to the highest standards set by some of the world's finest restaurants and hotels.
By maintaining a completely vegetarian menu, we believe we minimize our environmental footprint and provide a welcome alternative to many restaurants in the city. In addition to the food we serve and vendors we choose, WaterCourse Foods is dedicated to reducing our negative environmental impact by recycling everything we can, including fryer oil that is converted into bio-diesel. Our to-go containers are completely biodegradable. We serve water only upon request. We offer 10% discounts to bike riders.
Our Story
Our story is one of perseverance and patience. By adhering to the philosophy of mastering one task before taking on another, WaterCourse Foods began as a breakfast and lunch restaurant serving only five days a week. Over the next 10 years we have slowly and methodically grown into a 7-day a week breakfast, lunch and dinner restaurant with our own bakery and wine and beer license. WaterCourse Foods is lucky to have the best clientele in the city. With their patience and understanding we continue to learn how to handle a growing business without sacrificing the love and hospitality our clientele have come to expect. Our story will continue to grow as we develop events catering
As a way of continuing our history of supporting non-profits throughout Colorado, the WaterCourse Foundation is also in the works. By creating the WaterCourse Foundation it is our hope to contribute to causes that we are passionate about. In the meantime, you may request a donation by clickinghere.
About Dan
Dan and Michelle Landes began WaterCourse Foods with plenty of what Mark Twain remarked were the makings of great entrepreneurs, ignorance and courage. What they lacked in finances they made up for in tenacity. Moments before they unlocked the front door to WaterCourse for the first time Michelle realized they had no money in the register to make change with. With no money in the bank, Michelle ran back to their house and emptied the change jar. On February 19,1998, one month after the birth of WaterCourse Foods Charley Landes was born. On October 6, 2001 Henry Landes was born.
The Landes family live on an urban permaculture farm run by solar with organic gardens, chickens, fruit trees, three big dogs, a toothless cat, a porch cat, one leopard gecko and a speedy little tortoise. 

Saturday, May 28, 2011

Nutrition and Pancreatic Cancer Risk

When diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, one may wonder if something (or lack of something) in the diet caused the cancer.  People want to know what they should eat now and how to advise their families and friends to maintain health.  It is important to acknowledge that no clear associations exist between nutrition and the development of pancreatic cancer, but some associations are being examined.

The information below provides a brief update of the recent research on the possible links between nutrition and pancreatic cancer.  Some research studies have provided conflicting results.  Additional investigation is needed.

Type 2 Diabetes (Diabetes Mellitus) There is a recognized link in the medical literature between type 2 diabetes and pancreatic cancer; however, the exact relationship is not clear.  Does type 2 diabetes put people at increased risk of pancreatic cancer or is diabetes an indicator of pancreatic cancer?  According to the American Diabetes Association, most people who get type 2 diabetes are overweight.  Therefore, it can also be asked whether it is the diabetes or obesity contributing to cancer.

Most literature indicates that having type 2 diabetes for five years increases the risk of pancreatic cancer.  The mechanisms are still unknown, but the role of high blood glucose levels and resulting increase in insulin is under scrutiny.

In a large study, diets of women diagnosed with pancreatic cancer during 18 years of monitoring were examined.  Investigators evaluated dietary records for carbohydrate intake and glycemic index.  Glycemic index is the blood sugar response for each gram of carbohydrate.  The association between a diet high in carbohydrates and pancreatic cancer was most apparent in overweight women (Body Mass Index (BMI) greater than 25).  Impaired glucose metabolism may play a role, and dietary carbohydrates may only be a risk factor in those who are sedentary and overweight or who already have insulin resistance.

High sugar intake, such as from soft drinks, contributes to a high glycemic load.  Glycemic load is calculated using the total amount of carbohydrates consumed and the glycemic index of the diet.  Since there has been a link of glycemic load to the risk of diabetes, it is logical to question whether it is associated with pancreatic cancer risk.  Findings of recent studies have not confirmed that high glycemic index, glycemic load and intake of carbohydrates increase risk of pancreatic cancer.

A recent study concluded that higher fasting blood glucose levels were associated with an increase in the number of cancer cases and deaths. (Journal of the American Medical Association, January 2005)  High blood sugar and diabetes almost doubled the risk of developing pancreatic cancer for men and more than doubled the risk of developing pancreatic cancer for women.

A study by the Mayo Clinic has shown that patients with newly diagnosed diabetes at age 50 and older have a higher risk of developing pancreatic cancer. (Gastroenterology, August 2005)  Finally, a National Cancer Institute study concluded that men had 2.5 times the risk of getting pancreatic cancer if they reported having diabetes and taking medication for their diabetes.  When men reported having diabetes and not taking medication, they had 2 times the risk of developing pancreatic cancer. (NCI Bulletin, October 2004)
Simply put, evidence is building and indicates that having diabetes or being at risk for diabetes is a risk factor for developing pancreatic cancer.  This risk may be seen more in men.  The question remains: is diabetes a true risk factor or does pancreatic cancer cause diabetes?

Obesity and Physical Activity Studies over recent years support that obesity increases the risk for pancreatic cancer. Similar to the link with diabetes, the mechanisms of this association needs further investigation.

As discussed above, obesity and physical inactivity may increase the risk of pancreatic cancer due to their influence on the body’s ability to use insulin.  “Clinically overweight” is defined as BMI greater than 25, “obese” as BMI 30 or greater, and “morbidly obese” as BMI greater than 40.

Foods Some studies have examined the relationship between the intake of dietary fat, (total fat, polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fatty acids, saturated fat and cholesterol) and risk of developing pancreatic cancer.  Currently, no solid conclusions can be made. 

Some studies have shown that an increased consumption of red meat cooked at high temperatures (grilled, barbecued, broiled) was associated with increased risk of pancreatic cancer. It is important to note that other studies have reported no association. More studies specific to cooking method of the meat are needed. No association was found with chicken or poultry.

Most studies show increased intake of fruits and vegetables can be protective against cancer, but the results are not conclusive.  Strong evidence exists for the protective benefits of folate, lycopene and vitamin C.  Common dietary sources of folate include fortified breakfast cereal, whole wheat products, liver, asparagus, leafy green vegetables, oranges, strawberries and melons.  Sources of dietary lycopene include fruits and vegetables, primarily tomatoes and tomato-based products.  Dietary sources of Vitamin C include fruits and vegetables such as guava, papaya, citrus fruits, broccoli, green bell pepper, tomatoes, and spinach.  Interestingly, one study also showed a possible protective effect from one or more servings of cabbage per week. 

Frequent consumption of nitrate from animal sources is associated with increased risk of pancreatic cancer.  Dietary sources of nitrate include cured, smoked or pickled meats and fish, dried meats, cooked bacon, non-fat dry milk and other protein foods cooked at high temperatures or those preserved with nitrite. 
One study has examined the relationship of pancreatic cancer risk and the intake of methionine and vitamin B6.  Findings suggested that higher intakes of methionine, an essential amino acid found in fish, meats, legumes, poultry, sesame seeds and Brazil nuts, may decrease the risk of pancreatic cancer.  No association was found with vitamin B6.

More research is needed before definitive statements about nutrition and the prevention of pancreatic cancer can be made.  While the research is still pending, exercise and a balanced diet overall lead to a healthier weight and body.

Additional References: Pancreatic Cancer and Nutrition Risk factors Hart A, Kennedy H, Harvey I.  Pancreatic Cancer: a review of the evidence of causation.  Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology: the Official Clinical Practice Journal of the American Gastroenterological Association. 2008;6:275-282.
Gumbs A, Bessler M, Milone L, et al.  Contribution of Obesity to pancreatic carcinogenesis.  Surgery for Obesity and Related Diseases: Official Journal of the American Society for Bariatric Surgery 2008;4:186-193.
Heinen M, Verhage B, Lumey L et al. Glycemic load, glycemic index and pancreatic cancer risk in the Netherlands Cohort Study.  The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition 2008;87:970-977.
Giovannucci E, Michaud D.  The role of obesity and related metabolic disturbances in cancers of the colon, prostate, and pancreas.  Gastroenterology 2007;132:2208-2225.
Larsson S, Giovannucci E, Wolk A.  Methionine and vitamin B6 intake and risk of pancreatic cancer: a prospective study of Swedish women and men.  Gastroenterology 2007;132:113-118.
Jee S, Ohrr H, Sull J, et al.  Fasting serum glucose level and cancer risk in Korean men and women.  Journal of the American Medical Association 2005;293:194-202.
Larsson S, Hakansson N, Naslund I, et al.  Fruit and vegetable consumption in relation to pancreatic cancer risk: a prospective study. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2006;15:301-305.
Michaud D, Lui S, Giovannucci E., et al. Dietary sugar, glycemic load, and pancreatic cancer risk in a prospective study. Journal of the National Cancer Institute 2002;94:1293-1300.
Gapstur S, Gann P, Lowe W. Abnormal glucose metabolism and pancreatic mortality. Journal of the American Medical Association, 2000;283:2552-2558.
Berrington de Gonzalez A, Sweetland, S, Spencer, E. A meta-analysis of obesity and the risk of pancreatic cancer. British Journal of Cancer, 2003;89:519-523.
Michaud D, Giovannucci E, Willett W et al. Physical activity, obesity, height, and the risk of pancreatic cancer. Journal of the American Medical Association, 2001;8:921-929.
Michaud D, Giovannucci E, Willett W et al. Dietary meat, dairy products, fat, and cholesterol and pancreatic cancer risk in a prospective study. American Journal of Epidemiology, 2003;157:1115-1125.
Coss A, Cantor K, Reif T et al. Pancreatic cancer and drinking water and dietary sources of nitrate and nitrite. Am J Epidemiol 2004;159:693-701.
Fisher W.  Diabetes:  Risk factor for the development of pancreatic cancer or manifestation of the disease?  World Journal of Surgery, 2001;25:503-508.

http://www.pancan.org/section_facing_pancreatic_cancer/learn_about_pan_cancer/diet_and_nutrition/Nutrition_pancan_risk.php

2011 Pancreatic Cancer Research Walk

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

Friday, May 27, 2011

Strong. Fighting. Surviving.

Kate lost her battle with pancreatic cancer, but not without a fight.  Read more about her story on her blog.  Below is her family's final note, but you can read over two years worth of her own words ... you never know where you can find inspiration and motivation to continue to fight the fight.



Update – Kate Thaxton

Dear Kate’s friends,

Thank you for supporting Kate over the past 3 1/2 years with your comments and notes here and directly to her. She fought a hard battle, and deserves the peace she now has. Kate passed away this morning, with her family at her side and knowing beyond a doubt how loved she was.

The last few weeks were hard on her, physically and emotionally, but in typical Kate fashion, she still greeted her visitors with a smile. She still offered her friendship and love, right up to the end of her fight. And, as always, she kept Lucky by her side, never giving up hope that something better was to come. Her cat, Charlie, stayed with her the last few weeks and she had a visit with her beloved horse, Cody, along with countless friends and relatives.

Those who loved Kate, even from afar, know what an extraordinary person she was. Stunningly beautiful, she made everyone feel welcome and at ease with her warmth, and she never stopped asking how everyone around her was doing. We’ll all miss her, but we feel blessed to have had her in our lives.

Kate would probably want to be remembered as a wife, runner, horsewoman, hard-working professional, dog and cat lover, and as a real survivor. She was up to any challenge–from a marathon to kayaking to fixing up the old house she loved, leaky artist’s loft and all–and we believe, even now, that pancreatic cancer was no match for such an amazing person.

Thank you all for your love and prayers. Please know that Kate offered all of you the same gifts, and your support meant the world to her.

Rest in peace, Kate. We all love you.


Read more about Kate in her own words on her blog ...
http://www.katethaxton.com/survivingpc/

Thursday, May 26, 2011

Some support for pancreatic cancer screening


Reuters Health) - For people at high genetic risk of pancreas cancer, screening for the disease might be worthwhile - particularly if they're senior citizens, a new study suggests.

On the other hand, the researchers say, it might not be worthwhile -- and it's too soon to make widespread recommendations on screening high-risk families.

Only about 3 of every 100 patients with pancreatic cancer have the "familial form."

But the findings in this group offer reason to be "cautiously hopeful" that there might be ways to detect the often-fatal cancer earlier, said lead researcher Dr. Emmy Ludwig, of Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center in New York.

The study, reported in the American Journal of Gastroenterology, focused on families affected by familial pancreatic cancer -- where the disease has affected two or more first-degree relatives. First-degree relatives are either parents and children, or siblings.

Pancreatic cancer, whether due to an inherited gene or not, has a dim prognosis. Only about five of every hundred patients are still alive 5 years after diagnosis. That's largely because it is rarely caught early. The symptoms include weight loss and liver problems that cause the skin to turn yellow, but those usually don't show up until the cancer has spread.

It would seem to make sense to screen people from families affected by familial pancreatic cancer, but there are still many questions. For example, researchers are not sure which tests can reliably detect pancreatic cancer in people without symptoms, which people from affected families should be screened, or at what age screening should start.

For the new study, Ludwig and her colleagues offered screening to 309 relatives of people with familial pancreatic cancer. Some had at least one first-degree relative who developed pancreatic cancer before age 50. Others had family members who developed pancreatic cancer at any age - not just a parent, child or sibling but also a grandparent, grandchild, aunt or uncle, or a sibling's child.
Some participants had gene mutations linked to hereditary pancreatic cancer, plus a family history of the disease.

Over 7 years, 109 people in the study underwent screening at least once with MRI scans of the pancreas. If the MRI showed something suspicious-looking, they could have further testing with endoscopic ultrasound, where an ultrasound probe is threaded down the throat and into the small intestine, where it is then aimed at the pancreas.
Overall, MRI scans caught potential problems in 18 study participants. Nine -- or 8 percent of the whole group - had abnormalities that could become cancer. Six later had surgery to remove these lesions, while the rest refused surgery and decided to keep up with screening.

Six of the nine patients with abnormal lesions were older than 65. Perhaps, the researchers say, this means screening after age 65 could prove most useful -- but that requires further study.
In fact, the usefulness of screening at all is still debatable. A number of groups worldwide are looking into this issue, and not all of the studies have had positive findings. In a study of 76 high-risk relatives, German researchers found that screening with endoscopic ultrasound detected a potentially pre-cancerous lesion in just one relative over 5 years.

"No single group has definitively proven that routine screening is of benefit," Ludwig told Reuters Health in an email. "Our findings, we feel, add to the growing literature that suggests screening may be worthwhile. None of us has proven it."

She said that larger, long-term studies at multiple centers are needed to figure out how, when and how often to screen relatives from affected families -- and to see whether screening actually saves lives.

"The real end point to screening is, 'Do we save lives?'" Ludwig said. And the only way to get that answer, she added, is with large multi-hospital studies that keep close track of participants for many years.
Screening apparently healthy people for a disease always has downsides. It often, for instance, leads to "false-positive" test results -- suspicious findings that later turn out to be nothing to worry about. In the meantime, however, false-positive results can lead to invasive procedures people don't really need, and unnecessary anxiety.

So studies are done to try to make sure that the benefits of screening outweigh the risks.

Right now, pancreatic cancer screening is not widely available. Furthermore, since its value isn't proven, insurance companies are unlikely to pay for it - and an average out-of-network MRI scan in the northeast U.S. costs nearly $3,000, according to information from an Aetna Inc. website.

Ludwig suggested that people from high-risk families who are interested in screening try to enroll in one of the studies being run out of several academic centers worldwide -- which, besides Sloan-Kettering, include centers in Baltimore and Seattle in the U.S., and Liverpool in the U.K.

SOURCE: bit.ly/gyZ8WQ American Journal of Gastroenterology, online April 5, 2011.

Wednesday, May 25, 2011

Treatment offers hope to pancreatic cancer patients

BY LIZ SZABO 
May 23, 2011 06:46PM
Chicago Sun-Times

For the first time in years, doctors are making progress against pancreatic cancer, one of the deadliest of all tumors, which kills all but 6 percent of patients.

Although there still is no cure, a new drug combination can help patients live months longer than on standard therapy. And other studies already under way may soon offer patients even more options, researchers say.
Patients taking Folfirinox, a novel combination of four drugs already approved to fight other cancers, lived 11.1 months — 4.3 months longer than those given standard chemo, according to a French study of 342 patients in last week’s New England Journal of Medicine.

That might not seem like a lot of time in any other disease. But study author Thierry Conroy notes that pancreatic cancer is especially lethal, typically killing patients in only about six months. Patients diagnosed with the disease have so few options that the Food and Drug Administration approved a drug called Tarceva to treat pancreatic cancer in 2005, even though that drug improved survival by only about two weeks.
Although Folfirinox caused more serious side effects than standard chemo, patients still rated their quality of life higher, Conroy says. That may be because Folfirinox prevented their tumors from causing serious side effects, such as pain, loss of appetite and weight loss.

Doctors already are changing their practice based on the study, which was presented at a medical meeting last year, says cancer specialist Gauri Varadhachary of Houston’s M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, who wasn’t involved in the new study.

“This is great news for our patients,” Varadhachary says. “I see it becoming the standard of care. I see patients requesting it.”

Others caution that the new drug regimen isn’t for everyone with pancreatic cancer.
Patients in the study were under age 76 and especially healthy, says cancer specialist Nilofer Azad, from Baltimore’s Johns Hopkins Kimmel Cancer Center, who wasn’t involved in the new study.

But Azad notes that doctors are testing other drug combinations to treat pancreatic cancer. She’s hopeful that these combinations will work as well or better than Folfirinox, with fewer serious side effects.
Folfirinox “is going to be one of a host of options” for patients, Azad says.

Gannett News Service