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Updated: 03/27/07 11:57 AM |
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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 Vaccine:
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.
Naturopathic and Dietary Remedies:
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.
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