Early Diagnosis in High Risk Patients |
Surgical Management
Pancreatic Cancer Clinic |
New Therapies |
Endoscopic Therapies |
Quality of Life
Molecular Research: Proteomics |
Molecular Research: Gene Identificaiton
In patients who are operable, clinical investigation has focused on novel combination of chemotherapeutic
agents and radiation therapy with new potent radio-sensitizers (drugs that predispose the cancer to radiation)
either pre-operatively or post-operatively. For patients who are not candidates for resection but do not have
spread of their cancer (metastatic disease), a combination of chemotherapy/radiation regimens can be used. Clinical
trials in these settings are a high priority. It is our goal to incorporate other strategies such as inhibition of
tumor blood supply (anti-angiogenic therapy), immunotherapy or molecular targeted approaches in both early and late
staged disease.
K-ras gene mutations are common in pancreatic cancer, and can be detected in pancreatic juice and pancreatic tissue. We are
participating in a clinical K-ras vaccine trial with a yeast derived biological product that targets mutations in the ras gene
found in > 90% of pancreatic patients. This vaccine is available to any patient with advanced pancreatic cancer (metastatic disease).
This is an exciting trial since it is a new state-of-the-art approach to treating the cancer and there is very little (no) toxicity
associated with the treatment. This is a dose escalation study that will allow patients to participate who have already been previously
treated with other therapies.
Curcumin:
Curcumin is derived from cumin (also known as Tumeric), a perennial herbaceous plant native to South India and Indonesia.
Cumin is a spice used in curries and mustard. Curcumin, which constitutes approximately 3% of cumin, is the active ingredient
that fights cancer. India has a very low rate of pancreatic cancer, and the liberal use of cumin/curcumin could be one reason why.
Curcumin can prevent cancer development in mice and inhibits human pancreatic cancer cells in culture. Curcumin is now being
studied as an additive treatment for pancreatic cancer in Phase I trials.
Resveratrol:
Resveratrol is the active ingredient in red wine that is beneficial for health. Resveratrol also inhibits pancreatic cancer cells in
culture and in mouse model. It acts by causing cancer cells to die and by preventing the growth of blood supply for the tumor.