Pancreatic Cancer Action Network's Enhanced Patient Services and Clinical Initiatives to Transform the Fight Against Pancreatic Cancer

Clinical Trial Finder Launched as Part of Increased Efforts to Double Survival of One of the Nation's Deadliest Cancers by 2020

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Pancreatic Cancer Action Network

Jun 09, 2015, 09:45 ET

MANHATTAN BEACH, Calif., June 9, 2015 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- As the leader in the field, the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network is aiming to transform the country's system for pancreatic cancer healthcare delivery and medical research. The Clinical Trial Finder, an online tool that provides patients and healthcare professionals easy access to the most comprehensive and up-to-date database of pancreatic cancer clinical trials in the United States, is the latest initiative the organization is bringing to market for the pancreatic cancer community as part of its increased efforts to double survival of pancreatic cancer.

"When dealing with pancreatic cancer, mortality can be swift so finding the right treatment as soon as possible is vital. By participating in clinical trials, patients not only have access to cutting-edge treatment but also have the opportunity to transform the treatment landscape for pancreatic cancer," said Julie Fleshman, president and CEO of the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network. "For years, we've had the most accurate database of pancreatic cancer trials and we are thrilled to be able to now offer public access to patients and families and the healthcare community."

With a survival rate of just 7 percent, the need for effective treatment options is critical to pancreatic cancer patients. Clinical trials are often the best option for patients facing pancreatic cancer and are the only way to find better treatment options than what is currently available. The Pancreatic Cancer Action Network's Clinical Trial Finder is the only tool of its kind and aims to assist patients and healthcare professionals alike in finding clinical trials that could be a beneficial course of treatment.

"This is a positive step forward in the pancreatic cancer community and I am grateful that the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network has made the Clinical Trial Finder available to the public," said Eileen O'Reilly, MD, Medical Advisory Board Member of the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network, and medical oncologist from the David M. Rubenstein Center for Pancreatic Cancer Research, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. "The availability of this service will significantly impact how patients and their healthcare teams are involved in pancreatic cancer clinical trial recruitment. With more people involved in clinical trials, the closer we'll get to finding better treatments and drugs for our patient population."

The organization's Clinical Trial Finder and Know Your Tumor initiatives were developed in order to improve the pancreatic cancer patient and caregiver experience and facilitate medical progress. Introduced this past January, the Know Your Tumor personalized medicine service offers tumor profiling to certain eligible patients and provides them access to molecular profiling of their tumor. The results from the molecular profiling tests are compiled into a report that is reviewed by a pancreatic cancer expert. The report highlights treatment options, including relevant clinical trials which could assist the treating oncologist in more precise and personalized treatment planning.

Personalized medicine is an emerging diagnostic tool for pancreatic cancer. Through the first phase of Know Your Tumor, nearly 50 percent of reports have revealed an actionable finding, meaning the information gained has the potential to impact treatment choices by identifying options that may have particular value in treating the patient's specific tumor. Later this year, the organization will launch the Patient Registry, a research effort that will collect important information, such as molecular information learned through Know Your Tumor, critical to learning more about the pancreatic cancer patient population.

"By employing our comprehensive and proven approach and focusing our efforts for maximum impact, we are confident that we will make real progress in increasing understanding of and treatment for this devastating disease," adds Fleshman. "Tens of thousands of patients and families are counting on us to ensure progress is made and the lives of their loved ones are saved."

About the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network
The Pancreatic Cancer Action Network is the national organization creating hope in a comprehensive way through research, patient support, community outreach and advocacy for a cure. The organization is leading the way to increase survival for people diagnosed with this devastating disease through a bold initiative — The Vision of Progress: Double Pancreatic Cancer Survival by 2020. Together, we can Wage Hope in the fight against pancreatic cancer by intensifying our efforts to heighten awareness, raise funds for comprehensive private research, and advocate for dedicated federal research to advance early diagnostics and better treatments and increase chances of survival.

For more information, go to www.pancan.org
Follow the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network on Twitter: @PanCAN and #WageHope
Facebook: www.facebook.com/jointhefight

MEDIA INQUIRIES ONLY CONTACT:
Anne Milo
Manager, Public Relations
Pancreatic Cancer Action Network
Direct: 310-706-3357
Email: [email protected]
ALL OTHER INQUIRIES, PLEASE CALL THE PANCREATIC CANCER ACTION NETWORK AT 877-272-6226 OR EMAIL [email protected].

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SOURCE Pancreatic Cancer Action Network