Where does pancreatic cancer research stand today — and what does it mean for patients and families right now?

In this episode, host Alisyn Camerota sits down with Dr. Emil Lou, physician scientist and medical oncologist at the University of Minnesota Medical Center, to break down the latest developments in pancreatic cancer research. From KRAS-targeted therapies and the challenge of drug resistance, to the role of AI in early detection and treatment response, Dr. Lou offers an accessible and honest look at where we are, what's promising, and why research funding has never been more critical.

This episode is sponsored by Revolution Medicines.

For more information and resources, visit letswinpc.org and pancan.org. Use the Let's Win and PanCAN clinical trial finders to explore options.

Links:

Let’s Win Clinical Trial Finder

PanCAN Trial Finder

PanCAN Patient Services

In this continuation of our conversation about clinical trials, host Alisyn Camerota and Martin D Hynes, III, discuss the real obstacles patients face when pursuing clinical trials.

Marty, a chemist and pancreatic cancer survivor, explains that while clinical trials require additional testing beyond standard of care, pharmaceutical companies cover these costs, including scans, blood work, and often travel expenses and lodging for patients and caregivers.

He addresses concerns about leaving established care teams and emphasizes the importance of having an advocate to coordinate communication between medical teams. Marty and Alisyn discuss the complexities of genetic and tumor testing required for trial eligibility, the challenges patients face when too ill to travel, and privacy concerns around medical data sharing.

Despite these barriers, Marty is optimistic about improvements in trial access through organizations like Let's Win Pancreatic Cancer and PanCAN, which offer trial finders and patient navigation services. He shares that his recent checkup showed normal CA19-9 levels and clear scans, and encourages patients not to give up hope as treatments continue to improve.

Thank you to our sponsor, Revolution Medicines.

Let’s Win Pancreatic Cancer Clinical Trial Finder

PanCAN Clinical Trial Finder

PanCAN Patient Services

Let’s Win Doctor Finder

January is Pancreatic Cancer Clinical Trial Awareness Month. In this episode of PancChat, host Alisyn Camerota speaks with Martin D Hynes, III, a chemist who spent much of his career in the pharmaceutical industry, including years with Eli Lilly developing Gemzar, a chemotherapy drug used to treat pancreatic cancer.

In 2021, Marty was diagnosed with stage I pancreatic cancer and found himself on the patient side of clinical trials for the first time. Despite his extensive professional experience, Marty faced significant barriers to enrolling in a clinical trial. He discusses common misconceptions that prevent patients from participating in trials, including fears about receiving placebos and concerns about being a "guinea pig."

Marty explains that pancreatic cancer clinical trial participants always receive standard-of-care treatment, and he reframes clinical trial participation as a way to be a pioneer in breakthrough treatments.

This is part one of a two-part conversation about the challenges patients face when seeking to join clinical trials.

Thank you to our sponsor, Revolution Medicines.

To learn more about pancreatic cancer clinical trials, visit Let’s Win and PanCAN.

Let’s Win Pancreatic Cancer Clinical Trial Finder

PanCAN Clinical Trial Finder