Hirshberg Foundation for Pancreatic Cancer Research

Are you a pancreatic cancer patient or caregiver looking for a support group? We have a list on our website and please add your suggestions in the comments

Researchers at MD Anderson Cancer Center have discovered that mutant KRAS and p53, the most frequently mutated genes in pancreatic cancer, interact through the CREB1 protein to promote metastasis and tumor growth. Blocking CREB1 in preclinical models reversed these effects and reduced metastases, suggesting an important new therapeutic target for the deadly cancer. The findings were published today in Cancer Discovery and presented at the virtual American Association for Canc...er Research (AACR) Annual Meeting 2021 by Michael Kim, M.D., assistant professor of Surgical Oncology and Genetics. To our knowledge, this is the first study to show how these two major genetic drivers work together to promote tumor growth and metastasis, Kim said. We learned that signaling downstream of mutant KRAS directly promotes mutant p53 activity. This discovery provides not only a new therapeutic target but unveils a vast transcriptional network that is activated downstream of these mutant proteins. https://www.newswise.com//mutant-kras-and-p53-cooperate-to

February is National Cancer Prevention Month! Throughout the month we’ll share risk factors, scientific research, webinars on topics touching on prevention and facts about how you can make an impact. https://pancreatic.org/february-is-national-cancer-prevent/

A first-of-its-kind randomized clinical trial found that patients with pancreatic cancer didn't live any longer than expected after receiving pre-operative chemotherapy from either of the two standard regimens, according to trial results published in JAMA Oncology. https://medicalxpress.com//2021-01-pre-surgery-chemotherap

The countdown to the 23rd @lacancerchallenge is on! We’re here with our friends from @big5 spreading some Halloween cheer. There’s still time to be a superhero this Halloween - register or donate for the #VirtualLACC plus, you’ll get some cute ghoulish gear ... See more

Our Virtual LA Cancer Challenge Opening Ceremonies will be available starting tomorrow so you can get in the LACC spirit. We can't wait to walk for research, race towards a cure & show how we will never give up! Thanks you for helping us bring the L.A. Cancer Challenge to over 42 states - and counting - we're tuning the map purple for pancreatic cancer

"Clinical trials should not be viewed as a last resort for patients with metastatic pancreatic cancer" -- Dr. Allyson Ocean There are a few factors that determine which regimen a patient with metastatic pancreatic receives in the frontline setting, including how strong they are, their performance status, their preference, their quality of life, and their goals of their care. Also, sometimes their symptoms and whether or not they’re having a lot of pain or a lot of problems related to their disease burden. If we need to achieve a quicker response, that may dictate choosing one regimen over the other. https://www.onclive.com//ongoing-studies-could-modify-the-

Enter to win a limited edition watch thanks to our friends at Feldmar Watch Company! http://support.pancreatic.org/site/PageServer

The LACC is hoping to Turn America Purple by registering people in all 50 states! So far we have Virtual LA Cancer Challenge participants in 38 states!! We are still missing folks from Alabama, Arkansas, ... Delaware, Iowa, Minnesota, North Dakota, Oklahoma, Rhode Island, South Dakota, West Virginia & Wyoming. If you know any family, friends, runners, walkers or cancer fighters in those states, please ask them to join us as we walk for research, race towards a cure for pancreatic cancer & Never Give Up! http://lacancerchallenge.com

Meet our Virtual LA Cancer Challenge Honorary Starter, Mine! A soon-to-be 4-year pancreatic cancer survivor, Mine and her family has been involved with the Foundation for years. Read more about Mine and watch her kick off the Virtual LACC on October 25th http://support.pancreatic.org/site/PageServer

Help make a difference when you shop Amazon Prime Day deals on October 13 & 14th. Simply shop at smile.amazon.com/ch/95-4640311 or with AmazonSmile ON in the app. Every purchase you make means a percentage is donated towards pancreatic cancer research & patient support services!

Genetic Testing Should Be Considered for All Patients With Pancreatic Cancer Michael J. Pishvaian, MD, PhD, at Johns Hopkins Kimmel Cancer Center, discusses the key takeaway from his presentation at the 17th Annual Meeting of the International Society of Gastrointestinal Oncology on the role of genetic testing in patients with pancreatic cancer. Pishvaian says the most important takeaway is to test patients, and this is supported by both scientific evidence as well as nationa...l recommendations. Both the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) and the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) recommend germline testing for pathogenic hereditary mutations in 100% of pancreatic cancers, irrespective of their disease stage or other characteristics. https://www.targetedonc.com//genetic-testing-should-be-con

Join the Hirshberg Training Team and train for the Los Angeles Marathon! No matter where you live, our personalized program gives you the support you need to cross the finish line of either a full marathon or a half marathon. Whether you have lost a loved one, know someone battling cancer or just want a new personal challenge - our #HirshbergTrainingTeam is here for you every step of the way! http://HTT2021.com

A beautiful, uplifting and frank story about the challenges and gifts pancreatic cancer can bring into your life. Another great article from our friends at Let's Win Pancreatic Cancer "I still wake up every morning and can’t believe what I have endured over the past two years. That said, there have been so many lessons and gifts I have had the chance to witness. I have never felt so much love and support. People are truly amazing. I could actually feel the love and support e...mbracing me from family, friends, and even strangers. Having this type of cancer, I do know that the odds are stacked against me, but I am not going to focus on the statistics. I am my own statistic. I recently read an article about an oncologist on his cancer journey and how having cancer changed his practice. One of the questions this doctor learned to ask his patients was Why do you want to fight cancer? I have pondered this question. Yes, there are all the big reasons why I choose to fight. Obviously, to see my kids hit all their life milestones. I want to grow old with my husband. But for me the reason may be simpler. I have learned it is about all the simple things, the day-to-day struggles and successes, that make the big picture. The unexpected blessings. The beauty of living. And that is why I choose to fight! In the face of uncertainty, there is nothing wrong with hope! O. Carl Simonton" https://letswinpc.org//unexpected-blessings-from-my-pancre

Cancer hasn't stopped because of COVID-19, but cancer screenings have dramatically decreased across the country. Early detection of cancer can improve the chances of survival. If you are having unusual symptoms, don't put off getting in touch with your doctor! "Not surprisingly, with the disruption in routine cancer screenings, new cancer diagnoses have also decreased. Research published in an American Medical Assn. online journal showed that the average weekly number of new... diagnoses of six common cancers breast, colorectal, lung, gastric, pancreatic and esophageal fell by more than 45% from March to mid-April compared with the previous two months." https://www.latimes.com//cancer-screening-down-covid-pande