For over 22 years pancreatica.org has provided current, credible, and comprehensive information to those in need.
Cancer Patient’s Alliance is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. All donations are tax-deductible.

94% of all revenue goes towards our programs, with only 6% towards MANAGEMENT AND GENERAL EXPENSES.

GEMCITABINE

In the mid-90s, Von Hoff et al. published several papers of their medical research that demonstrated the survival advantage of the drug-agent gemcitabine (sold in the U.S. as Gemzar; developed by Eli Lilly and Company) as first line therapy in the treatment of advanced pancreatic cancer (ductal adenocarcinoma of the pancreas) over the use of somewhat ineffective but standard monotherapy for pancreatic cancer for years, fluorouracil (known as 5-FU). Quickly, gemcitabine became the standard of care treatment for pancreatic cancer, although research continued and gemcitabine and other drugs either singly or in combination were studied extensively.

The next major breakthrough in the chemotherapy treatment of advanced pancreatic cancer came in May 2011 by French researchers with the publication of data regarding the use of the 4-drug regimen (including 5-FU) known as FOLFIRINOX. At a point afterwards, the NCCN began to recommend the FOLFIRINOX regimen as first line therapy for advanced pancreatic cancer.

Then in 2013, Von Hoff and others published their research which demonstrated that Abraxane (Nab-paclitaxel; by Celgene) plus gemcitabine gave survival advantage in patient with advanced pancreatic cancer over gemcitabine alone. Soon thereafter, the U.S. FDA approved the Abraxane plus gemcitabine combination for the treatment of advanced pancreatic cancer.

One point to note is that the central drug in each of the two key drug combinations for chemotherapy of advanced pancreatic cancer involve one or the other of the past drugs that were used alone: 5-FU and gemcitabine.

Gemcitabine is a nucleoside analogue that inhibits an enzyme required for a pathway that is necessary for successful DNA synthesis. It is also approved in the U.S. for the treatment of such conditions as breast, lung, bladder and ovarian cancer.

The side effects of gemcitabine alone, depending on personal response, and given that it IS a chemotherapy are often relatively mild compared to certain other drugs, and can include such conditions as fever, flu-like symptoms, fatigue, GI problems, rashes, hair loss, weakness, and shortness of breath.

There are studies that suggest that the gemcitabine plus Abraxane regimen is generally better tolerated than the FOLFIRINOX regimen in many patient with pancreatic cancer.

Since the development of gemcitabine + Abraxane for the treatment of pancreatic cancer, there have been many innovative studies using this combination in creative ways. We have commented on gemcitabine alone and in combination frequently in the Pancreatica Blog.

Please note our Blog entries HereHere, HereHereHere, and Here.

Our Philosophy About Pancreatic Cancer

Pancreatic cancer is a serious disease. Taking an aggressive rational stance at the earliest possible time, supported by the best medical team, and treated in the most appropriate manner gives the best chance for survival.

We believe in strong patient-physician bonds, scientifically-based treatment, and that comfort can come from knowing that everything that reasonably can be done – is being done.

That the best approach is meeting cancer of the pancreas head-on and armed with the best available information.

Our science board is composed of:

James Abbruzzese, MD Chief, Medical Oncology Duke University

Markus Büchler, MD Chairman, Surgery Heidelberg University, Germany

Ralph Hruban, MD Director, GI / Liver Pathology Johns Hopkins University

Eileen O’Reilly, MD Associate Director for Clinical Research – Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center

Margaret Tempero, MD Chief, Medical Oncology University of California at San Francisco

Cancer Patients Alliance is a 501(c)(3) non-profit. Initiatives include, ToFightCancer.com and Pancreatica.org. All Donations are tax-deductible. Pancreatic cancer is the least funded cancer in terms of research.

Despite causing enormous mortality, pancreatic cancer receives (on a mortality basis) much less funding for research than most of the other major cancers. Currently, there is no molecular marker or genetic screening tool to aid in the earlier diagnosis or screening of pancreatic cancer. Treatment results would improve significantly if this cancer could be diagnosed at an earlier stage.

WAYS TO MAKE AN IMPACT.

Walk, Run, or Choose your own!

Choose a walk, run, or any other activity that you like and work to raise donations leading up to your Event! Simply set up your participation page and we will be in touch!

DEDICATE YOUR RACE

Already registered for your next Race? Dedicate your participation to Pancreatic Cancer. Simply set up your participation page and together we will work towards our shared mission!

ON FACEBOOK​

Creating a Facebook Fundraiser is easy: Click the Link below and Facebook will take you through the steps! Dedicate your Birthday or another important date to honor a loved one.

Join us on Social Media !

Participate in #GivingTuesday for Pancreatic Cancer on December 3rd 2019!! 

Click Here to Add a Calendar Reminder! 

HONOR A LOVED ONE
BY SHARING YOUR STORY

You can honor your loved one by sharing your story with us. Whether it’s your personal story, honoring a friend or relative’s journey, or why you support the cause, we want to hear from you!

Amazon donates 0.5% of the price of your eligible AmazonSmile purchases to help fight pancreatic cancer!
AmazonSmile is the same Amazon you know. Same products, same prices, same service. Simply use our Link to start shopping!

Pancreatic cancer is the most aggressive of the major cancers, has the highest mortality rate, and is the LEAST funded.
CLICK HERE TO MAKE A TAX-DEDUCTIBLE DONATION !


Call us at: 831-372-0900 or Email: participate@tofightcancer.com

Our mission is to promote awareness, increase education, and further pancreatic cancer research, specifically research aimed at early diagnosis.

Studies show that death rates for pancreatic cancer are increasing while for most other cancers they are declining, we need change !

Early diagnosis is key:
Survival increases dramatically if patients are diagnosed in time for surgery!

For medical information Click Here for our sister site Pancreatica.org

Pancreatica.org is a top-rated internet resource containing unique educational resources for patients, their caregivers, physicians and researchers, that displays an impressive concentration of scientific articles. 

Currently, no standard marker exists to diagnose the disease in early stages. Our aim is to support the development of a marker for early diagnosis. If the disease is found even a year earlier, outcomes will begin to improve.  LEARN MORE

WHY US? BECAUSE EARLY DIAGNOSIS IS KEY

Currently, only about 15% of those diagnosed with pancreatic cancer are eligible for potentially curative surgery. We need to find the disease earlier!

Pancreatic cancer is very aggressive. Fortunately together, so are we.

We are dedicated to promoting awareness, increasing education, and furthering pancreatic cancer research.

Best of the Blog

Cancer Patients Alliance is a 501(c)(3) non-profit. Initiatives include, ToFightCancer.com and Pancreatica.org. All Donations are tax-deductible. Pancreatic cancer is the least funded cancer in terms of research.

Despite causing enormous mortality, pancreatic cancer receives (on a mortality basis) much less funding for research than most of the other major cancers. Currently, there is no molecular marker or genetic screening tool to aid in the earlier diagnosis or screening of pancreatic cancer. Treatment results would improve significantly if this cancer could be diagnosed at an earlier stage.