april 2017 pancreatic cancer action network and...
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April 2017
PANCREATIC CANCER ACTION NETWORK AND COMMUNITY NEWS
Pancreatic Cancer Action Network news:
Leadership Discusses Pancreatic Cancer Research Funding, New Report
Gastroenterology paper: Private Funding for Pancreatic Cancer Research: More Than a Chip Shot
The Pancreatic Cancer Action Network’s Scientific & Medical Affairs team acknowledged for key
contributions to a study analyzing the pancreatic cancer research funding landscape. Watch Lynn
Matrisian and Julie Fleshman describe the findings and significance of this study.
Urge Congress to Say NO to Budget Cuts That Would Slow Progress Against Pancreatic Cancer
Take action NOW to let your members of Congress know you are counting on them to reject cuts to the
National Institutes of Health (NIH) budget and to prioritize cancer research funding. This is essential
because while the President may offer proposals, Congress ultimately creates the budget and has the
power to ensure federal research funding continues and increases – but they need to hear from you.
Standing Room-only Crowd Attends Congressional Briefing, Raising Awareness for Our Nation’s
Deadliest Cancers
On March 2, the Deadliest Cancers Coalition and the Congressional Caucus on the Deadliest Cancers
co-hosted a congressional briefing entitled Combatting the Deadliest Cancers: The Role of NCI
Research, 21st Century Cures Funding and the Cancer Moonshot to educate members of Congress and
congressional staff about these diseases and the critical role Congress can take to improve survival. The
briefing garnered a packed, standing room-only crowd on Capitol Hill with nearly 100 attendees.
Our Grantees Featured at Major International Cancer Research Conference
On Monday, April 3, principal investigators of our seven RAN grants awarded from 2013 to 2015 will
speak at the Discussion and Poster Session that we’re hosting at the AACR Annual Meeting. In addition,
we’ll hear from the three scientists who received Pathway to Leadership research grants in 2016. These
grants provide $600,000 over five years at a critical moment in a young researcher’s career – as they’re
finishing up their postdoctoral training and preparing to transition to an independent assistant professor
position.
Julie Fleshman Joins FasterCures Patients Count Leadership Council
We are pleased to announce that our president and CEO Julie Fleshman, JD, MBA, has joined the
FasterCures Patients Count Leadership Council. The council is an assembly of key opinion leaders in
academia, patient advocacy, biotechnology, pharmaceutical and policy, and other stakeholders who
share an interest in improving health by expanding opportunities for patients’ perspectives to shape
decision‐making at all levels of research and development.
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Julie Fleshman Discusses Clinical Trial Innovation and Precision Medicine Amongst Leaders of
Renowned Biomedical Research Funders
On March 23 and 24, Julie Fleshman, JD, MBA, the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network’s president and
CEO, was invited to speak twice at the prestigious Health Research Alliance (HRA) spring members’
meeting. She provided an organizational overview on Thursday afternoon and participated in a lively
discussion about how nonprofit organizations can accelerate clinical progress on Friday morning.
Meet Dr. Vince Picozzi, Chair of the Precision Promise Clinical Trial Consortium
Meet Vincent Picozzi, Jr., MD, director of the pancreaticobiliary program at the Floyd & Delores Jones
Cancer Institute at Virginia Mason Medical Center. Picozzi is a member of our Scientific & Medical
Advisory Board and a principal investigator for one of 12 sites that make up our initial Precision Promise
Clinical Trial Consortium. Recently, Picozzi was also named chair of the Clinical Trial Consortium, an
important role to foster collaboration across all consortium sites spanning the country. We spoke with him
on all things pancreatic cancer – the progress, the challenges and Precision Promise’s role in bringing
new treatments to patients facing pancreatic cancer.
Women’s History Month: Celebrating Breakthroughs of Women in Science
Although women make up half the global workforce and earn more college degrees than men, research
shows that they make up only 27 percent of the workforce in STEM fields. Still, from groundbreaking
researchers to advocates of STEM, history is rife with women who have contributed to science in
remarkable ways. Many of them have also been touched by pancreatic cancer.
Clinical Trial Finder
The Clinical Trial Finder saves you time and energy by helping you quickly and easily find the most
current pancreatic cancer clinical trials information. By registering for an account, you will have access to
the most up-to-date and comprehensive database of pancreatic cancer clinical trials in the United States.
Our online tool allows you to perform a patient-specific search to locate available trials based on your
patients’ needs or a general search to understand the current clinical trials landscape to inform research
or trial design.
Know Your Tumor®
Powerful Knowledge. Personal Treatment.®
Our Know Your Tumor service is an IRB-approved protocol that provides you and your pancreatic cancer
patients with a molecular profiling report of their tumor, which includes personalized treatment options –
including standard treatments, off-label treatments and available clinical trials. Treatment options are
determined after findings of the molecular reports are interpreted by an expert panel, providing valuable
insight to support your treatment decisions.
Patient Registry
The Patient Registry is a global online database created to look for patterns in treatments, side effect
management and diagnostics that will lead to improved treatment options and outcomes for patients.
Whether you have been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer or have provided care for someone with
pancreatic cancer, your contributions are meaningful. By joining our quickly growing community and
sharing your experiences, you’re giving researchers access to crucial data that will help make
discoveries. Together, we will move pancreatic cancer research forward.
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Funding opportunities:
New! Call for Nominations: 2017 Fifth Annual Ruth Leff Siegel Awards
Submit nominations by June 12, 2017
The Pancreas Center at Columbia University and The Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center have
been entrusted by the Siegel family to identify the investigator who has made the most impactful
contribution to the understanding and/or treatment of pancreatic cancer over the past year. The work can
be in any field of pancreatic cancer research including but not limited to basic biology, population biology,
public health and translational science. They are looking for an investigator who has a track record of high
quality work in this field, made a seminal contribution in 2016 and is anticipated to continue contributing to
our understanding of pancreatic cancer for years to come. There are no geographic, employment or
academic rank restrictions for candidacy.
New! Cancer Research UK (CRUK) Grand Challenge
The call will open again in June 2017 with a revised set of challenges
In 2014 Cancer Research UK published a bold new research strategy with an ambition to support more
innovative high-risk, potentially high-reward research. As part of this, the Grand Challenge initiative was
launched which aims to stimulate a focused multinational, multidisciplinary research effort to address
significant challenges in cancer research, by bringing in fresh thinking, innovation and technology from
other disciplines and sectors to transform the cancer research field. It is intended to drive global
collaboration and support research that would not be able to happen without a team approach and
funding of this scale.
Cancer Moonshot℠ – Funding Opportunities
Following receipt of the Blue Ribbon Panel report, NCI identified funding opportunity announcements
(FOAs) from within its extensive research portfolio that address the goals of the Cancer Moonshot. These
opportunities mark the beginning of a growing Cancer Moonshot portfolio which will continue to expand
given the authorization of the 21st Century Cures Act to fund the Beau Biden Cancer Moonshot with $1.8
billion over 7 years. While the FOAs listed below highlight research initiatives that align with the efforts of
the Cancer Moonshot, they may be supported with existing funds or with the 21st Century Cures funding.
The Pancreatic Cancer Detection Consortium (U01)
Deadlines: May 26, 2017; September 21, 2017; April 6, 2018
This Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA) invites applications from multi-disciplinary teams of
researchers and clinicians to establish the Pancreatic Cancer Detection Consortium (PCDC) to conduct
research to improve the detection of early stage pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) and
characterization of its precursor lesions.
Job opportunities:
New! Postdoctoral Appointee: Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey
The primary purpose of the Postdoctoral Appointee position is to conduct research investigation into the
effects of cancer vaccines in murine models of pancreatic cancer under the supervision of the Principal
Investigator (Darren Carpizo, MD, PhD). Performs molecular, cell biological and animal laboratory
research experiments under direct supervision of the Principal Investigator. Prior experience with immune
studies and/or flow cytometry a plus. Analyzes data and prepares data for presentation at local and
national meetings. Drafts written reports for inclusion in manuscripts and grant proposals.
New! Digestive Disease Week® (DDW) Career Fair
May 8, 2017, 3:30 – 5:30 p.m., McCormick Place Convention Center, Chicago, IL
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If you’re hunting for a gastroenterology job or are about to graduate, the organizers highly recommend
you do not miss the DDW Career Fair.
Faculty Position: Assistant Professor of Cancer Cell Biology
North Dakota State University is looking to hire an Assistant Professor of Cancer Cell Biology who
conducts pancreatic cancer research.
Meetings:
Pancreas Club Annual Meeting
Meeting: May 5 – 6, 2017, Drake Hotel, Chicago, IL
Schedule at a glance
Registration includes access to all scientific sessions, posters viewing, exhibits, printed proceedings,
Friday and Saturday continental breakfast and lunch, and Saturday Closing Reception.
New! Digestive Disease Week®
Meeting: May 6 – 9, 2017, McCormick Place, Chicago, IL
Recognized as one of the top 50 medical meetings by the Healthcare Convention & Exhibitors
Association (HCEA), Digestive Disease Week® (DDW) is the world’s largest gathering of physicians,
researchers and industry in the fields of gastroenterology, hepatology, endoscopy and gastrointestinal
surgery.
ASCO Annual Meeting 2017
Meeting: June 2 – 6, 2017, McCormick Place, Chicago, IL
Share knowledge. Gain insight. Improve cancer care.
2nd International Conference on Pancreatic Cancer & Liver Diseases
Meeting: June 12 – 13, 2017, London, UK
Registration rates increase April 30; final call is June 12
Pancreatic Cancer 2017 gives an extraordinary platform for changing capacity ideas into superb
business. This conference will convey together a vast participation of customers came from
entrepreneurs, Proposers, buyers, international monetary companies, business institutions, academia
and experts within the area of pancreatic studies and treatment.
Aspen Cancer Conference
Meeting: July 15 – July 18, 2017, the Gant Conference Center and Resort, Aspen, CO
The Aspen Cancer Conference, a series of yearly meetings conceived by Drs. Benjamin F. Trump and
Curtis C. Harris, was begun in 1985. The Conference has continued to emphasize the relationships
between toxicity and carcinogenesis and the identification of novel strategies in cancer prevention,
diagnosis, and therapy. It is evident that new paradigms are needed to explain that an increasing number
of mutagenic and non-mutagenic agents result in carcinogenesis, that cell injury and death, repair, and
inflammation are constant companions of cancer.
European Pancreatic Club (EPC) 2017
Meeting: June 28 – July 1, 2017, Budapest, Hungary
Early registration deadline: April 15, 2017
The meeting will be an important event in European pancreatology and related areas, where basic
scientists and clinicians can exchange ideas and novel research findings, and also deepen their scientific
knowledge.
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New! Mayo Clinic Pancreatic and Hepato-Biliary Cancer Symposium
Meeting: November 10 – 11, 2017, The Westin Kierland Resort & Spa, Scottsdale, AZ
This course, offered by Mayo Clinic in cooperation with TGen, Honor Health, and the Pancreatic Cancer
Action Network, welcomes expert faculty from across the country and throughout Mayo Clinic to bring you
a state-of-the-art conference with the latest treatment options in hepato-biliary and pancreatic cancer.
Other community news:
NIH’s Role in Sustaining the U.S. Economy – 2017 Update
Pancreatic Cancer Action Network Latest News blog post: New Data Defining Impact of NIH on Economy,
Jobs and Research
Research funded by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) saves lives, improves health, and offers hope
to people affected by disease. It also supports almost 380,000 jobs and $65 billion in economic activity
across the United States, making NIH research an engine for both medical and economic progress.
Major Pancreatic Cancer Study Launched
Precision PANC
The researchers will use the molecular profile of each individual cancer to offer patients and their doctor a
menu of trials that might benefit them. The first wave of research will establish the best way to collect and
profile patient tissue samples.
Dana-Farber's Brian Wolpin, MD, MPH, named Robert T. and Judith B. Hale Chair in Pancreatic
Cancer
Pancreatic Cancer Action Network Latest News blog post: Prestigious Promotion for Member of Our
Research Community
Brian Wolpin, MD, MPH, has been appointed Robert T. and Judith B. Hale Chair in Pancreatic Cancer at
Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. Wolpin is co-director of the Pancreas and Biliary Tumor Center at Dana-
Farber/Brigham and Women’s Cancer Center and associate professor of Medicine at Harvard Medical
School.
Expert Hopes Novel Approaches Improve Outlook in Pancreatic Cancer
Pancreatic Cancer Action Network Latest News blog post: Pancreatic Cancer Expert Calls for More
Awareness for the Disease and Clinical Trials
Patients with pancreatic cancer are a difficult-to-treat population, as surgery continues to be the sole
curative option. However, ongoing clinical trials are investigating combination treatments with standard
chemotherapies to improve outcomes. In an interview during the 2017 OncLive® State of the Science
Summit on Gastrointestinal Malignancies, Ramesh Ramanathan, MD, who lectured on these challenges
and emerging agents, explained the hurdles oncologists are facing in the field of pancreatic cancer.
WEBINAR | Deciphering Cancer: The Intersection of Epigenetics, Metabolism, and Tumorigenesis
This on-demand webinar will examine how, by targeting proteins responsible for the crosstalk between
epigenetics and metabolism, we may be able to develop new and effective therapeutic options for cancer
treatment. The speakers include Pancreatic Cancer Action Network grantee, Kathryn Wellen, PhD.
AACR Project GENIE: Participation
Application due date: May 1, 2017
AACR Project GENIE is accepting applications for new Participants from non-profit institutions directly
involved in the care of cancer patients nearly a full year ahead of schedule. Project GENIE's approach to
data harmonization is such that each participating organization can continue to operate how it best sees
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fit while simultaneously contributing its data to the project. In this manner, future participants can and will
be easily added once the pilot phase of the project is concluded, and financial milestones are met.
Call for Papers: Research on Pancreatic Cancer
Journal of Pancreatic Cancer is seeking high quality clinical, translational and basic science papers on
malignancies of the pancreas and the peripancreatic region. Submitted papers will be peer reviewed and
consider for publication in the Journal.
BIOLOGY OF CANCER
Pancreatic Cancer Genomics 2.0: Profiling Metastases
Journal: Cancer Cell
Institution(s): University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, and others
Corresponding author(s): Eric Collisson or Anirban Maitra
Pancreatic Cancer Action Network-affiliated authors:
o Eric Collisson, MD: recipient, 2012 Skip Viragh – Career Development Award, co-PI,
Precision Promise Clinical Trial Consortium site and member, Scientific and Medical
Advisory Board
o Anirban Maitra, MBBS: recipient, 2014 Robert Aronson – Innovative Grant and 2004
Career Development Award and member, Scientific & Medical Advisory Board
Major finding: Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma, even when diagnosed early, nearly always
metastasizes. Recurrent mutations and genomic instability are early events in the disease. Two
recent papers advance our understanding of how the cancer genome evolves as the primary
tumor migrates from its origin in the pancreas to colonize distant metastatic sites.
Obstacles Posed by the Tumor Microenvironment to T cell Activity: A Case for Synergistic
Therapies
Journal: Cancer Cell
Institution(s): Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA
Corresponding author(s): Ingunn Stromnes or Philip Greenberg
Pancreatic Cancer Action Network-affiliated author: Philip Greenberg, MD: recipient, 2016 Abby
Sobrato – Translational Research Grant
Major finding: Here the authors discuss how the tumor and its microenvironment influences T cell
trafficking and function with a focus on melanoma, and pancreatic and ovarian cancer, and
discuss how scientific advances may help overcome these hurdles.
Drugging RAS: Know the Enemy
Journal: Science
Institution(s): University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC
Corresponding author(s): Channing Der
Pancreatic Cancer Action Network-affiliated authors:
o Bjoern Papke, PhD: recipient, 2016 KRAS Travel Scholarship
o Channing Der, PhD: PI, 2015 Research Acceleration Network Grant, recipient, 2012
Tempur-Pedic® Retailers – Innovative Grant and member, Scientific & Medical Advisory
Board
Major finding: With a greater appreciation of the complexities of RAS that thwarted past efforts,
and armed with new technologies and directions, the field is experiencing renewed excitement
that mutant RAS may finally be conquered. Here the authors summarize where these efforts
stand.
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CRISPR Knockout of the HuR Gene Causes a Xenograft Lethal Phenotype
Journal: Molecular Cancer Research
Institution(s): Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, and others
Corresponding author(s): Jonathan Brody
Pancreatic Cancer Action Network-affiliated author: Jonathan Brody, PhD: PI, 2015 Research
Acceleration Network Grant and recipient, 2010 Skip Viragh – Career Development Award
Major finding: The RNA binding protein HuR (ELAVL1), supports a pro-oncogenic network in
gastrointestinal (GI) cancer cells through enhanced HuR expression. CRISPR/Cas9 technology
was successfully used to delete the HuR gene in both pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma and
colorectal cancer cell lines. The work reported here supports the notion that targeting HuR is a
promising therapeutic strategy to treat GI malignancies.
Lipocalin-2 Promotes Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma by Regulating Inflammation in the
Tumor Microenvironment
Journal: Cancer Research
Institution(s): The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, and others
Corresponding author(s): Zobeida Cruz-Monserrate
Pancreatic Cancer Action Network-affiliated authors:
o Huamin Wang, MD, PhD: recipient, 2007 Skip Viragh – Career Development Award
o Craig Logsdon, PhD: member, Emeritus Scientific & Medical Advisory Board
Major finding: Lipocalin-2 (LCN2) promotes malignant development in many cancer types. The
authors’ results reveal how LCN2 acts in the tumor microenvironment links obesity, inflammation
and pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma development.
Stratification of Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma: Combinatorial Genetic, Stromal, and
Immunological Markers
Journal: Clinical Cancer Research
Institution(s): University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, and others
Corresponding author(s): Erik Knudsen
Pancreatic Cancer Action Network-affiliated author: Steven Leach, MD: PI, 2015 Celgene
Corporation – Research Acceleration Network Grant, PI, Precision Promise Clinical Trial
Consortium site and chair, Scientific & Medical Advisory Board
Major finding: The mutational burden of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is associated
with immunosuppressive mechanisms that are conditioned by the tumor stromal environment.
The defined subtypes have significance for utilizing immunotherapy in the treatment of PDAC.
Acinar Cell Plasticity and Development of Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma
Journal: Nature Reviews Gastroenterology & Hepatology
Institution(s): Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL
Corresponding author(s): Peter Storz
Pancreatic Cancer Action Network-affiliated author: Peter Storz, PhD: recipient, 2008 Patty
Boshell – Career Development Award
Major finding: Here, the critical determinants of acinar cell plasticity are discussed, in addition to
the intracellular and extracellular signaling events that drive acinar cell metaplasia and their
contribution to development of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma.
The Role of Stromal Cancer-associated Fibroblasts in Pancreatic Cancer
Journal: Journal of Hematology & Oncology
Institution(s): Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, and others
Corresponding author(s): Amit Verma
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Pancreatic Cancer Action Network-affiliated author: Anirban Maitra, MBBS: recipient, 2014
Robert Aronson – Innovative Grant and 2004 Career Development Award and member, Scientific
& Medical Advisory Board
Major finding: This review summarizes the most recent progress made in understanding stromal
formation; its contribution to tumor proliferation, invasion, and metastasis; its role in
chemoresistance; and potential therapeutic strategies on the horizon.
Runx3 and Cell Fate Decisions in Pancreas Cancer
Journal: Advances in Experimental Medicine and Biology
Institution(s): Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA
Corresponding author(s): Sunil Hingorani
Pancreatic Cancer Action Network-affiliated author: Sunil Hingorani, MD, PhD: recipient, 2007
Pilot Grant and 2005 Dr. Laurence A. Mack and Roselle Mack – Career Development Award, PI,
Precision Promise Clinical Trial Consortium site and member, Scientific & Medical Advisory Board
Major finding: The RUNX family transcription factors are critical regulators of development and
frequently dysregulated in cancer. The authors recently identified RUNX3 expression as a crucial
determinant of the predilection for pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDA) cells to proliferate
locally or promulgate throughout the body. Understanding these exquisitely context-dependent
tumor cell behaviors has the potential to inform clinical decision-making including the most
appropriate timing and sequencing of local vs. systemic therapies.
Runx3 in Immunity, Inflammation and Cancer
Journal: Advances in Experimental Medicine and Biology
Institution(s): Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
Corresponding author(s): Yoram Groner
Major finding: In this chapter the authors summarize the pros and cons of the notion that Runx3 is
a major tumor suppressor gene (TSG). Importantly, accumulating data demonstrated that RUNX3
functions in control of immunity and inflammation, thereby indirectly influencing epithelial tumor
development.
Autocrine IGF1 Signaling Mediates Pancreatic Tumor Cell Dormancy in the Absence of Oncogenic
Drivers
Journal: Cell Reports
Institution(s): University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE
Corresponding author(s): Kay-Uwe Wagner
Major finding: Mutant KRAS and c-MYC are oncogenic drivers and rational therapeutic targets for
the treatment of pancreatic cancer. The pharmacological inhibition of IGF-1R reduces residual
disease burden and cancer recurrence, suggesting that this molecular pathway is crucial for the
survival of cancer cells in the absence of the primary oncogenic drivers.
Phosphorylation of Rab-coupling Protein by LMTK3 Controls Rab14-dependent EphA2 Trafficking
to Promote Cell:cell Repulsion
Journal: Nature Communications
Institution(s): CRUK Beatson Institute for Cancer Research, Glasgow, UK
Corresponding author(s): Jim Norman
Major finding: Genetic disruption of Rab-coupling protein (RCP) or EphA2 opposes cell:cell
repulsion and metastasis in an autochthonous mouse model of pancreatic adenocarcinoma—
whereas conditional knockout of another RCP cargo, α5 integrin, does not suppress pancreatic
cancer metastasis—indicating a role for RCP-dependent trafficking of an Eph receptor to drive
tumor dissemination in vivo.
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SerpinB2 Regulates Stromal Remodelling and Local Invasion in Pancreatic Cancer
Journal: Oncogene
Institution(s): University of Wollongong, Wollongong, Australia, and others
Corresponding author(s): M Ranson, P Timpson or D Saunders
Major finding: This study establishes a novel role for SerpinB2 in the stromal compartment in
pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma invasion through regulation of stromal remodeling and
highlights the SerpinB2/ urokinase plasminogen activator (uPA) axis for further investigation as a
potential therapeutic target in pancreatic cancer.
Development of Bioluminescent Chick Chorioallantoic Membrane (CAM) Models for Primary
Pancreatic Cancer Cells: A Platform for Drug Testing
Journal: Scientific Reports
Institution(s): VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands, and others
Corresponding author(s): Elisa Giovannetti
Major finding: The authors’ study provides the first evidence that transduced primary pancreatic
ductal adenocarcinoma cells can form tumors on the chick-embryo chorioallantoic membrane
(CAM), retaining several histopathological and (epi)genetic characteristics of original tumors.
Moreover, their results support the use of these models for drug testing, providing insights on
molecular mechanisms underlying antitumor activity of new drugs/combinations.
Increased Serotonin Signaling Contributes to the Warburg Effect in Pancreatic Tumor Cells under
Metabolic Stress and Promotes Growth of Pancreatic Tumors in Mice
Journal: Gastroenterology
Institution(s): Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, P.R. China, and others
Corresponding author(s): Yong-Wei Sun or Zhi-Gang Zhang
Major finding: Human pancreatic ductal adenocarcinomas (PDACs) have increased levels of
serotonin (5-HT), and PDAC cells increase expression of its receptor, HTR2B. These increases
allow for tumor glycolysis under metabolic stress and promote growth of pancreatic tumors and
PDAC xenograft tumors in mice.
Converging on RAS
Journal: Cancer Discovery
Major finding: Biologists at the Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research have teamed
up with computer scientists and physicists at the Department of Energy to tackle the problem of
“undruggable” RAS. The goal is to obtain a precise understanding of how RAS is activated by
interactions with the plasma membrane; this will be illuminated through supercomputer
simulations that build on structural and biochemical studies of RAS.
ETIOLOGY
Cigarette Smoking and Pancreatic Cancer Survival
Pancreatic Cancer Action Network Latest News blog post: Smoking Increases Risk of Developing, Dying
from Pancreatic Cancer
Journal: Journal of Clinical Oncology
Institution(s): Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, and others
Corresponding author(s): Brian Wolpin
Pancreatic Cancer Action Network-affiliated author: Brian Wolpin, MD, MPH: co-PI, 2016 The
Shirley Sadoff – Research Acceleration Network-2 Grant and PI, Precision Promise Clinical Trial
Consortium site
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Major finding: Cigarette smoking is associated with increased incidence of pancreatic cancer.
However, few studies have prospectively evaluated the association of smoking with patient
survival. Cigarette smoking was associated with a reduction in survival among patients with
pancreatic cancer.
Genetically Predicted Telomere Length Is Not Associated with Pancreatic Cancer Risk
Journal: Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention
Institution(s): Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN
Corresponding author(s): Gloria Petersen
Pancreatic Cancer Action Network-affiliated author: Gloria Petersen, PhD: member, Scientific &
Medical Advisory Board
Major finding: Epidemiologic associations of leukocyte telomere length (LTL) and pancreatic
ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) have been inconsistent owing, in part, to variation in telomere
length (TL) assessment across studies. Findings suggest that genetically predicted short TL is not
associated with PDAC risk.
Stem Cell Divisions, Somatic Mutations, Cancer Etiology, and Cancer Prevention
Journal: Science
Institution(s): Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD
Corresponding author(s): Cristian Tomasetti or Bert Vogelstein
Major finding: Cancers are caused by mutations that may be inherited, induced by environmental
factors, or result from DNA replication errors (R). The major role of R mutations in cancer etiology
was supported by an independent approach, based solely on cancer genome sequencing and
epidemiological data, which suggested that R mutations are responsible for two-thirds of the
mutations in human cancers.
Adiposity and Cancer at Major Anatomical Sites: Umbrella Review of the Literature
Pancreatic Cancer Action Network Latest News blog post: Another Study Links Obesity to Increased
Cancer Risk
Journal: The BMJ
Institution(s): Imperial College London, London, UK, and others
Corresponding author(s): Maria Kyrgiou
Major finding: Although the association of adiposity with cancer risk has been extensively studied,
associations for only 11 cancers (esophageal adenocarcinoma, multiple myeloma, and cancers of
the gastric cardia, colon, rectum, biliary tract system, pancreas, breast, endometrium, ovary, and
kidney) were supported by strong evidence. Other associations could be genuine, but substantial
uncertainty remains. Obesity is becoming one of the biggest problems in public health; evidence
on the strength of the associated risks may allow finer selection of those at higher risk of cancer,
who could be targeted for personalized prevention strategies.
SLC22A3 Polymorphisms Do Not Modify Pancreatic Cancer Risk, But May Influence Overall
Patient Survival
Journal: Scientific Reports
Institution(s): National Institute of Public Health, Prague, Czech Republic, and others
Corresponding author(s): Beatrice Mohelnikova-Duchonova
Major finding: Expression of the solute carrier (SLC) transporter SLC22A3 gene is associated
with overall survival of pancreatic cancer patients. Common variation in the SLC22A3 gene is
unlikely to significantly contribute to pancreatic cancer risk. The rs2504938 SNP in SLC22A3
significantly associates with an unfavorable prognosis of pancreatic cancer patients. Further
investigation of this SNP effect on the molecular and clinical phenotype is warranted.
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EARLY DETECTION, DIAGNOSIS, AND PROGNOSIS Reconstituting Development of Pancreatic Intraepithelial Neoplasia from Primary Human Pancreas
Duct Cells
Journal: Nature Communications
Institution(s): Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, and others
Corresponding author(s): Seung Kim
Pancreatic Cancer Action Network-affiliated author: Ralph Hruban, MD: member, Emeritus
Scientific & Medical Advisory Board
Major finding: Prospective reconstitution of human pancreatic intraepithelial neoplasia (PanIN)
development from primary cells provides experimental opportunities to investigate pancreas
cancer development, progression and early-stage detection.
Patterns, Timing, and Predictors of Recurrence Following Pancreatectomy for Pancreatic Ductal
Adenocarcinoma
Journal: Annals of Surgery
Institution(s): The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, and others
Corresponding author(s): Christopher Wolfgang
Pancreatic Cancer Action Network-affiliated author: Ralph Hruban, MD: member, Emeritus
Scientific & Medical Advisory Board
Major finding: Specific recurrence locations have different predictive factors and possess distinct
relapse-free survival (RFS) curves, supporting the hypothesis that unique biological differences
exist among tumors leading to distinct patterns of recurrence.
Identifying Prognostic Intratumor Heterogeneity Using Pre- and Post-radiotherapy 18F-FDG PET
Images for Pancreatic Cancer Patients
Journal: Journal of Gastrointestinal Oncology
Institution(s): Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA
Corresponding author(s): Yong Yue
Pancreatic Cancer Action Network-affiliated authors:
o Nicholas Nissen, MD: member, Scientific & Medical Advisory Board
o Andrew Hendifar, MD, MPH: PI, Precision Promise Clinical Trial Consortium site
Major finding: Locoregional metabolic texture response provides a feasible approach for
evaluating and predicting clinical outcomes following treatment of pancreatic adenocarcinoma
with radiotherapy (RT). The proposed method can be used to stratify patient risk and help select
appropriate treatment strategies for individual patients toward implementing response-driven
adaptive RT.
Using an Endoscopic Distal Cap to Collect Pancreatic Fluid from the Ampulla (with video)
Journal: Gastrointestinal Endoscopy
Institution(s): Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions, Baltimore, MD
Corresponding author(s): Michael Goggins
Pancreatic Cancer Action Network-affiliated authors:
o Michael Goggins, MD: PI, 2013 Skip Viragh – Inaugural Research Acceleration Network
Grant
o Marcia Canto, MD: co-PI, 2013 Skip Viragh – Inaugural Research Acceleration Network
Grant and member, Emeritus Scientific & Medical Advisory Board
Major finding: Duodenal collections of pancreatic fluid can be used as a source of mutations and
other markers of pancreatic ductal neoplasia, but admixing pancreatic juice with duodenal
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contents lowers the concentrations of mutations. Collecting pancreatic juice directly from the
ampulla using an endoscopic distal cap yields higher concentrations of pancreatic fluid mutations.
Light Scattering Spectroscopy Identifies the Malignant Potential of Pancreatic Cysts During
Endoscopy
Journal: Nature Biomedical Engineering
Institution(s): Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard University, Boston, MA
Corresponding author(s): Le Qiu or Lev Perelman
Major finding: The authors report an optical spectroscopic technique, based on a spatial gating
fiber-optic probe, that predicts the malignant potential of pancreatic cystic lesions during routine
diagnostic endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration (EUS-FNA) procedures. In a
double-blind prospective study in 25 patients, with 14 cysts measured in vivo and 13
postoperatively, the technique achieved an overall accuracy of 95%, with a 95% confidence
interval of 78–99%, in cysts with definitive diagnosis.
A Plasma Biomarker Panel to Identify Surgically Resectable Early-Stage Pancreatic Cancer
Journal: Journal of the National Cancer Institute
Institution(s): The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, and others
Corresponding author(s): Ann McNeill Killary
Major finding: Plasma tissue factor pathway inhibitor/tenascin C (TFPI/TNC-FN III-C) migration
signature adds statistically significantly to CA 19‐9’s predictive power to detect early-stage
pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) and may have clinical utility for early detection of
surgically resectable PDAC, as well as for enhanced survival from this routinely lethal cancer.
Potential Biomarkers in Lewis Negative Patients with Pancreatic Cancer
Journal: Annals of Surgery
Institution(s): Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China
Corresponding author(s): Xianjun Yu
Major finding: Carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) and carbohydrate antigen 125 (CA125) have the
potential to be applied as biomarkers in Lewis negative patients with pancreatic cancer. CEA and
CA125 should be routinely measured for all patients with pancreatic cancer.
Serum Lactate Dehydrogenase Predicts Prognosis and Correlates with Systemic Inflammatory
Response in Patients with Advanced Pancreatic Cancer After Gemcitabine-based Chemotherapy
Journal: Scientific Reports
Institution(s): Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China
Corresponding author(s): Peng Wang or Zhen Chen
Major finding: Serum lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) concentrations correlate with tumor
progression and poor outcome. The authors conclude that serum LDH levels were associated
with the systemic inflammatory response and served as a significant prognostic predictor of
overall survival (OS). Serum LDH levels predicted OS in patients with advanced pancreatic
cancer after gemcitabine-based palliative chemotherapy.
HRDetect Is a Predictor of BRCA1 and BRCA2 Deficiency Based on Mutational Signatures
Journal: Nature Medicine
Institution(s): Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute, Hinxton, UK, and others
Corresponding author(s): Serena Nik-Zainal
Major finding: A weighted model called HRDetect was developed to accurately detect
BRCA1/BRCA2-deficient samples. The authors validated HRDetect on independent cohorts of
breast, ovarian and pancreatic cancers and demonstrated its efficacy in alternative sequencing
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strategies. Integrating all of the classes of mutational signatures thus reveals a larger proportion
of individuals with breast cancer harboring BRCA1/BRCA2 deficiency (up to 22%) than hitherto
appreciated (~1–5%) who could have selective therapeutic sensitivity to PARP inhibition.
Evaluation of the 2015 AGA Guidelines on Pancreatic Cystic Neoplasms in a Large Surgically
Confirmed Multicenter Cohort
Journal: Endoscopy International Open
Institution(s): David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, and others
Corresponding author(s): Rabindra Watson
Major finding: The 2015 American Gastroenterological Association (AGA) guidelines would have
resulted in 60 % fewer patients being referred for surgical resection, and accurately
recommended surveillance in 95 % of patients with asymptomatic pancreatic cystic neoplasms.
Future prospective studies are required to validate these guidelines.
Pancreatic Cancer: New Biomarkers Improve Standard Screening
Review of: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/28376184 (above)
Journal: Nature Reviews Clinical Oncology
Institution(s): Nature editorial office, London, UK
Corresponding author(s): Peter Sidaway
Major finding: Data from three cohorts of patients with early stage pancreatic ductal
adenocarcinoma (PDAC) indicate that a two-protein biomarker panel, consisting of plasma tissue
factor pathway inhibitor (TFPI) and tenascin-C (TNC-FN-III-C), as measured in plasma samples
using an ELISA improves the prognostic value of CA 19-9.
TREATMENT
Role of Stereotactic Body Radiotherapy in the Treatment of Elderly and Poor Performance Status Patients with Pancreatic Cancer
Journal: Journal of Oncology Practice
Institution(s): Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, and others
Corresponding author(s): Joseph Herman
Pancreatic Cancer Action Network-affiliated author: Joseph Herman, MD, MSc: recipient, 2008
Blum-Kovler – Career Development Award and member, Scientific & Medical Advisory Board
Major finding: Given the favorable toxicity profile, stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) seems
like an obvious choice for nonmetastatic pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma patients who are
elderly, have multiple comorbidities, or have poor performance status. Herein, the authors review
the literature on SBRT in this unique patient population and discuss future directions.
Using a Novel NQO1 Bioactivatable Drug, beta-Lapachone (ARQ761), to Enhance Chemotherapeutic Effects by Metabolic Modulation in Pancreatic Cancer
Journal: Journal of Surgical Oncology
Institution(s): University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, and others
Corresponding author(s): David Boothman
Pancreatic Cancer Action Network-affiliated authors:
o Muhammad (Shaalan) Beg, MD: co-PI, 2015 Translational Research Grant
o David Boothman, PhD: PI, 2015 Translational Research Grant and recipient, 2014
Clinical Continuation Grant and 2012 George & June Block Family Foundation –
Innovative Grant
Major finding: K-Ras-mutant-driven NAD(P)H:quinone oxidoreductase 1 (NQO1) is over-
expressed in pancreatic tumor versus associated normal tissue, while catalase expression is
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lowered compared to levels in associated normal pancreas tissue. ARQ761 undergoes a robust,
futile redox cycle in NQO1+ cancer cells, producing massive hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) levels;
normal tissues are spared by low NQO1 and high catalase expression. Based on a growing body
of literature, the authors are leading a clinical trial to evaluate the combination of ARQ761 and
chemotherapy in patients with pancreatic cancer.
A Phase II Study of Ganetespib as Second-line or Third-line Therapy for Metastatic Pancreatic
Cancer
Journal: American Journal of Clinical Oncology
Institution(s): Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville,
TN, and others
Corresponding author(s): Emily Chan
Pancreatic Cancer Action Network-affiliated author: Jordan Berlin, MD: member, Scientific &
Medical Advisory Board
Major finding: Ganetespib binds to heat shock protein 90 and interferes with its binding to client
proteins thus leading to inactivation and degradation of the signaling proteins that promote cancer
progression. Single-agent ganetespib was tolerable with only modest disease control in refractory
metastatic pancreatic cancer (rMPC). This disease is resistant to chemotherapy, and given the
emerging data in lung and rectal cancers, as well as in pancreatic cancer cell lines, suggesting
improved activity of ganetespib in combination with cytotoxic agents, studies combining this agent
with chemotherapy in rMPC are more likely to yield success.
Therapeutic Implications of Molecular Subtyping for Pancreatic Cancer
Journal: Oncology
Institution(s): Georgetown University, Washington, DC, and others
Corresponding author(s): Michael Pishvaian or Jonathan Brody
Pancreatic Cancer Action Network-affiliated authors:
o Michael Pishvaian, MD, PhD: co-PI, 2015 Research Acceleration Network Grant
o Jonathan Brody, PhD: PI, 2015 Research Acceleration Network Grant and recipient,
2010 Skip Viragh – Career Development Award
Major finding: In this article, the authors review seminal articles that have evaluated the molecular
architecture of pancreatic cancer. They compare the methods used and the molecular subtypes
defined, and assess the predominant subgroups in order to better understand which therapies
may improve patient outcomes.
Quality-adjusted Survival with Combination nal-IRI+5-FU/LV vs 5-FU/LV Alone in Metastatic
Pancreatic Cancer Patients Previously Treated with Gemcitabine-based Therapy: A Q-TWiST
Analysis
Journal: British Journal of Cancer
Institution(s): Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany, and others
Corresponding author(s): Richard Hubner
Major finding: In the NAPOLI-1 Phase 3 trial, nal-IRI+5-fluorouracil and leucovorin (5-FU/LV)
significantly improved median overall survival (6.1 vs 4.2 months, P=0.012) and progression-free
survival (3.1 vs 1.5 months, P=0.0001) vs 5-FU/LV alone in metastatic pancreatic
adenocarcinoma patients previously treated with gemcitabine-based therapy. Within NAPOLI-1,
nal-IRI+5-FU/LV resulted in statistically significant and clinically meaningful gains in quality-
adjusted survival vs 5-FU/LV alone.
Minimally Invasive Pancreatic Resections: Cost and Value Perspectives
Journal: HPB
Institution(s): The University of Dublin, Ireland, and others
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Corresponding author(s): Kevin Conlon
Pancreatic Cancer Action Network-affiliated authors:
o Julie Fleshman, JD, MBA: president and CEO, Pancreatic Cancer Action Network
o Mark Talamonti, MD: member, Emeritus Scientific and Medical Advisory Board
Major finding: Challenges remain as to how the potential benefits, both to the patient and the
healthcare system as a whole, are measured. Research comparing minimally invasive pancreatic
resections (MIPR) versus other techniques for pancreatectomy will require appropriate and valid
measurement tools, some of which are yet to be refined. Nonetheless, the experience to date
would support the continued development of MIPR by experienced surgeons in high-volume
pancreatic centers, married with appropriate review and recalibration.
Vandetanib Plus Gemcitabine Versus Placebo Plus Gemcitabine in Locally Advanced or
Metastatic Pancreatic Carcinoma (ViP): A Prospective, Randomised, Double-Blind, Multicentre
Phase 2 Trial
Journal: The Lancet
Institution(s): University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham, UK, and others
Corresponding author(s): John Neoptolemos
Major finding: Vandetanib is a novel tyrosine kinase inhibitor of VEGFR2, RET, and EGFR, all of
which are in involved in the pathogenesis of pancreatic cancer. The addition of vandetanib to
gemcitabine monotherapy did not improve overall survival in advanced pancreatic cancer.
Tyrosine kinase inhibitors might still have potential in the treatment of pancreatic cancer but
further development requires the identification of biomarkers to specifically identify responsive
cancer subtypes.
A Phase II Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Study of Simtuzumab or Placebo in Combination with Gemcitabine for the First-Line Treatment of Pancreatic Adenocarcinoma
Journal: The Oncologist
Institution(s): Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center of Northwestern University,
Chicago, IL, and others
Corresponding author(s): Al Benson, III
Major finding: The humanized IgG4 monoclonal antibody simtuzumab inhibits the extracellular
matrix‐remodeling enzyme lysyl oxidase‐like 2 maintaining pathological stroma in tumors. The
addition of simtuzumab to gemcitabine did not improve clinical outcomes in patients with
metastatic pancreatic adenocarcinoma.
Phase I, Dose-Escalation, 2-Part Trial of Poly(ADP-Ribose) Polymerase Inhibitor Talazoparib in Patients with Advanced Germline BRCA1/2 Mutations and Selected Sporadic Cancers
Journal: Cancer Discovery
Institution(s): Royal Marsden Hospital, Sutton, UK, and others
Corresponding author(s): Johann de Bono
Major finding: Talazoparib inhibits poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) catalytic activity,
trapping PARP1 on damaged DNA and causing cell death in BRCA1/2-mutated cells. Talazoparib
demonstrated single-agent antitumor activity and was well tolerated in patients at the
recommended dose of 1.0 mg/day.
Multicenter, Randomized, Open-label Phase II Study Comparing S-1 Alternate-day Oral Therapy
with the Standard Daily Regimen as a First-line Treatment in Patients with Unresectable Advanced
Pancreatic Cancer
Journal: Cancer Chemotherapy and Pharmacology
Institution(s): Wakayama Medical University, School of Medicine, Wakayama,Japan, and others
Corresponding author(s): Hiroki Yamaue
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Major finding: S-1 for advanced pancreatic cancer should be taken daily as recommended, based
on the decreased overall survival and progression-free survival and marginal improvement in
safety observed in the alternate-day group.
Gemcitabine Mono-therapy versus Gemcitabine Plus Targeted Therapy in Advanced Pancreatic
Cancer: A Meta-analysis of Randomized Phase III Trials
Journal: Acta Oncologica
Institution(s): National Cancer Institute, Naples, Italy
Corresponding author(s): Antonio Avallone
Major finding: The present meta-analysis does not show significant improvements in survival for
targeted drugs in advanced pancreatic cancer. The possible reason of these results could be
linked to the biology of pancreatic cancer as well as to the absence of predictive factors.
Gemcitabine in Combination with a Second Cytotoxic Agent in the First-Line Treatment of Locally
Advanced or Metastatic Pancreatic Cancer: a Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Journal: Targeted Oncology
Institution(s): The Fourth Affiliated Hospital, China Medical University, Shenyang, China
Corresponding author(s): Chong-An Xu
Major finding: Gemcitabine-based doublet regimens demonstrated superiority over gemcitabine
monotherapy in overall efficacy, but were associated with increased toxicity. Different
gemcitabine-based combinations showed different antitumor activity, and doublet regimens of
gemcitabine in combination with a taxoid or a fluoropyrimidine, in particular an oral
fluoropyrimidine provided significant survival benefits in the first-line treatment of unresectable
advanced or metastatic pancreatic cancer (LA/MPC).
A Randomized, Open-label, Phase 2 Study of Everolimus in Combination with Pasireotide LAR or
Everolimus Alone in Advanced, Well-differentiated, Progressive Pancreatic Neuroendocrine
Tumors: COOPERATE-2 Trial
Journal: Annals of Oncology
Institution(s): Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, and others
Corresponding author(s): Matthew Kulke
Major finding: Pasireotide, a second-generation somatostatin analogs (SSA), targets multiple sstr
subtypes. We compared the efficacy and safety of pasireotide plus everolimus to everolimus
alone in patients with advanced, well-differentiated, progressive pancreatic NET (pNET). The
addition of pasireotide to everolimus was not associated with the improvement in progression-free
survival p compared to everolimus alone in this study. Further studies to delineate mechanisms
by which SSAs slow tumor growth in NET are warranted.
Systemic Combination Chemotherapy in Elderly Pancreatic Cancer: A Review
Journal: Journal of Gastrointestinal Cancer
Institution(s): Staten Island University Hospital, Staten Island, NY
Corresponding author(s): Gwenalyn Garcia
Major finding: Identifying elderly patients who will benefit from combination chemotherapy for
pancreatic cancer remains a significant clinical challenge. An assessment of medical
comorbidities and functional status plays a key role in determining fitness for intensive
chemotherapeutic regimens in this important subset of patients.
Gene Expression Profiling of Patient-derived Pancreatic Cancer Xenografts Predicts Sensitivity to
the BET Bromodomain Inhibitor JQ1: Implications for Individualized Medicine Efforts
Journal: EMBO Molecular Medicine
17
Institution(s): Aix‐Marseille Université and Institut Paoli‐Calmettes, Marseille, France, and others
Corresponding author(s): Nelson Dusetti or Juan Iovanna
Major finding: The authors showed that cells from MYC‐high patients are more sensitive to JQ1
treatment compared to MYC‐low cells, in monolayer, 3D cultured spheroids and in vivo
xenografted tumors, due to cell cycle arrest followed by apoptosis. Therefore, these results
provide new markers and potentially novel therapeutic modalities for distinct subgroups of
pancreatic tumors and may find application to the future management of these patients within the
setting of individualized medicine clinics.
CAR T-cell Therapy for Pancreatic Cancer
Journal: Journal of Surgical Oncology
Institution(s): Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY
Corresponding author(s): Prasad Adusumilli
Major finding: Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapy utilizes genetic engineering to
redirect a patient's own T cells to target cancer cells. Herein, the authors summarize the
opportunities, challenges, and state of knowledge in targeting pancreatic cancer with CAR T-cell
therapy.
Pancreatic Neuroendocrine Tumors (panNETs): Analysis of Overall Survival of Nonsurgical
Management Versus Surgical Resection
Journal: Journal of Gastrointestinal Surgery
Institution(s): University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL
Corresponding author(s): Danny Yakoub
Pancreatic Cancer Action Network-affiliated author: Nipun Merchant, MD: PI, 2015 Translational
Research Grant and member, Scientific & Medical Advisory Board
Major finding: Surgical resection of pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (panNETs), including small
and nonfunctioning, appears to be associated with improved overall survival. Enucleation is
associated with shorter operative time, less blood loss, but greater incidence of postoperative
pancreatic fistula. Prospective, randomized clinical trials are needed to confirm these results.
Targeted Therapy of Pancreatic Cancer: Biomarkers Are Needed
Review of: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/28259610
Journal: The Lancet
Institution(s): Martin-Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle, Germany
Corresponding author(s): Jörg Kleeff
Major finding: Pancreatic cancer remains one of the most challenging malignancies to treat, and
is predicted to be the second leading cause of cancer-associated mortality within the next 5–10
years, partly because only incremental progress has been made in the palliative treatment of this
disease.
Direct Tumor Vaccination Shown to Induce Anti-Tumor Immunity and Increase Survival in a
Murine Model of Pancreatic Cancer
Abstract book, see #PT187
Meeting: 70th Annual Society of Surgical Oncology Cancer Symposium
Institution(s): Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey, New Brunswick, NJ
Presenter: Darren Carpizo
Pancreatic Cancer Action Network-affiliated author: Darren Carpizo, MD, PhD: recipient, 2012
The Daniel and Janet Mordecai Foundation – Career Development Award
Major finding: The authors conclude that intratumoral vaccination with tumor antigen expressing
virus in this model can induce an anti-tumor effect, increase intratumoral T-cell infiltration and
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prolong survival. This evidence is consistent with intratumoral vaccination overcoming one of the
barriers of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) immunosuppression, the prevention of
recruitment of lymphocytes into the tumor. This model will be useful for studying the mechanisms
by which intratumoral vaccination abrogates tumor immunosuppression in PDAC.
Industry news:
ARMO BioSciences Announces First Patient Dosed in Pivotal Phase 3 Trial of Immunotherapy
AM0010 for Advanced Pancreatic Cancer
Company: ARMO BioSciences, Inc., Redwood City, CA
Major finding: RMO BioSciences, Inc., a clinical-stage immuno-oncology company, announced
that the first patient has been dosed in the Company's international Phase 3 pivotal clinical trial to
evaluate its lead investigational immuno-oncology drug AM0010 (PEGylated Interleukin-10) in
combination with FOLFOX as second-line treatment for patients with advanced pancreatic
cancer.
ERYTECH Reports Positive Phase 2b Data for eryaspase for the Treatment of Metastatic
Pancreatic Cancer
Company: ERYTECH Pharma, Lyon, France
Major finding: ERYTECH Pharma, a French clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company
developing innovative therapies by encapsulating therapeutic drug substances inside red blood
cells, announced positive topline results from its Phase 2b clinical study evaluating its product
candidate, eryaspase (GRASPA®), in combination with chemotherapy for the treatment of
second-line metastatic pancreatic cancer. The Phase 2b study evaluated eryaspase, L-
asparaginase encapsulated in red blood cells, as a second-line treatment in combination with
chemotherapy in patients with metastatic pancreatic cancer..
Halozyme Provides Update on SWOG Collaborative Group Clinical Study
Company: Halozyme Therapeutics, Inc., San Diego, CA
Major finding: Halozyme Therapeutics, Inc. announced it has been informed by SWOG, an
independent network of researchers that design and conduct cancer clinical trials, that the SWOG
Phase 1b/2 trial evaluating PEGPH20 plus modified FOLFIRINOX chemotherapy versus modified
FOLFIRINOX alone in patients with previously untreated metastatic pancreas cancer has been
temporarily closed to enrollment.
CANCER CONTROL, SURVIVORSHIP, AND OUTCOMES RESEARCH
Annual Report to the Nation on the Status of Cancer, 1975–2014, Featuring Survival
Pancreatic Cancer Action Network Latest News blog post: Annual Report to the Nation on the Status of
Cancer Finds Rates Declining, But Not in Pancreatic Cancer
Journal: Journal of the National Cancer Institute
Institution(s): American Cancer Society, Atlanta, GA, and others
Corresponding author(s): Ahmedin Jemal
Major finding: The American Cancer Society (ACS), the Centers for Disease Control and
Prevention (CDC), the National Cancer Institute (NCI), and the North American Association of
Central Cancer Registries (NAACCR) collaborate to provide annual updates on cancer
occurrence and trends in the United States. This Annual Report highlights survival rates. Cancer
death rates continue to decrease in the United States. However, progress in reducing death rates
and improving survival is limited for several cancer types, underscoring the need for intensified
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efforts to discover new strategies for prevention, early detection, and treatment and to apply
proven preventive measures broadly and equitably.
State of Cancer Care in America: 2017
Pancreatic Cancer Action Network Latest News blog post: Cancer Care Report: Patient-centric, Evidence-
based Medicine Critical for Future Success
The State of Cancer Care in America: 2017 report examines opportunities and challenges in the delivery
of high-quality cancer care in the United States. The report, published annually by the American Society
of Clinical Oncology (ASCO), analyzes demographic, economic, and oncology practice trends affecting
cancer care in the United States and describes how a rapidly transforming cancer care delivery system is
responding to those changes.