Dr Diane Simeone gives an excellent overview of pancreatic cancer in this video taken at the recent American Association for Cancer Research 2012 Annual Meeting in Chicago. Dr Simeone tells us what pancreatic cancer is, the symptoms of pancreatic cancer and pancreatic cancer treatments. She also gives us an insight into current stem cell research.
Do bear in mind that the pancreatic cancer statistics are from the USA.
- Posted by Admin on May 17, 2012
Pancreatic Cancer Action is moving to a new office.Please bear with us on Thursday 17th and Friday 18th May while we move to our new office.
Our phone line may be disrupted for a time and there may be a delay in answering your emails.
We are hoping to have everything unpacked and plugged in by first thing on Monday morning, the 21st May 2012.
We are having our post re-directed to our new address for the next six months, so don’t worry if you have sent anything to us in the post – we will still get it.
For the future though, please address any new correspondence to:
Pancreatic Cancer Action Chiltlee Manor Haslemere Road Liphook Hampshire GU30 7AZWe thank you for your patience.
We would also like to thank the Haslemere Museum for the donation of desks, chairs and filing cabinets – it’s really appreciated!
- Posted by Admin on May 16, 2012
A recent study from the University of California, San Diego School of Medicine and the Moores Cancer Centre has identified a potential biomarker that could be used for early detection of pancreatic cancer.
Researchers believe that the PEAK1 kinase (an enzyme or type of protein), which regulates many cellular functions, is directly linked to the development of the disease in humans and that not only could its identification lead to an earlier diagnosis but could also act as a possible drug target to increase the effectiveness of existing treatments.
The study, led by Richard Kelber, PhD, examined mice with early stage pancreatic cancer and discovered increased levels of PEAK1 in those infected with the disease. The prevalence of this enzyme was also detected in biopsies of malignant tumours in human patients.
More importantly, the results suggest that the enzyme was necessary for the cancer cells to grow and become metastatic (spread to other parts of the body) as, when it was removed from the mouse models, the cells formed significantly smaller tumours which failed to metastasize.
The identification of PEAK1 in connection with pancreatic cancer may also have wider implications for its use as a possible therapeutic target as the results showed that the inhibition of PEAK1 caused the cancer cells to become more receptive to existing treatments such as chemotherapy and immunotherapies.
Note to patients: the study was based on mice and there has not yet been conclusive testing on human patients. However, the results are encouraging as they suggest that it may be possible to detect pancreatic cancer in its earlier stages through the use of the biomarker, PEAK1, as well as using it as a potential drug target to improve existing treatments, which would be crucial in increasing survival rates.
Original research article:
Kelber et al., (2012) KRas Induces a Src/PEAK1/ErbB2 Kinase Amplification Loop That Drives Metastatic Growth and Therapy Resistance in Pancreatic Cancer. Cancer Research 72(10); 2554–64 (subscription required)
Written for PCA by James Stunt.
Source: University of California – San Diego press release
- Posted by Admin on
Brian Stevenson: Pancreatic Cancer Action's new Chairman
Pancreatic Cancer Action is delighted to announce Brian Stevenson has been appointed as the national charity’s new Chairman of Trustees.
Brian brings a wealth of experience to Pancreatic Cancer Action having recently retired from his role as a Corporate Banker. Brian has spent his career in the UK, USA and the Far East looking after the needs of some of the UK’s largest corporates and financial institutions. He has been a Chief Operating Officer, a Chief Executive and a Chairman of various banking businesses over the past 10 years.
In addition to his role at Pancreatic Cancer Action, Brian is a non-executive Director of The Agricultural Bank of China (UK) Ltd and an advisor to WorldPay Ltd.
Phil Stunt, the outgoing Chairman will continue to have an active role in the charity as a trustee.
Brian Stevenson said, “I am delighted to be joining Pancreatic Cancer Action at this exciting point in its development. Having recently suffered the loss of a close work colleague to pancreatic cancer, I am motivated to try and help to raise awareness and funding in order to improve the survival rate for this grim disease.”
Commenting on behalf of Pancreatic Cancer Action, outgoing Chairman Phil Stunt, said:
“The Trustees are thrilled that Brian has accepted our invitation to join the Board as its Chairman. Brian’s extensive corporate background, coupled with his personal experience of pancreatic cancer, will be of enormous benefit as we continue to in our mission to make a difference to survival rates for pancreatic cancer.”
The "Corporate Dynamos"
Brian is married to Jeanette, has two boys and lives in Haslemere, Surrey. As a keen cyclist, Brian isalso helping to raise funds through a group known as ‘The Corporate Dynamos’.
Pancreatic Cancer Action is committed to improving survival rates for Britain’s 5th deadliest cancer through awareness of the symptoms of the disease, information and increased funding. The national charity is working towards earlier diagnosis to enable more people to have the chance of surgery currently the only cure.
- Posted by Admin on May 14, 2012
Lisa Friend, British Flautist
An exclusive and intimate music recital with British flautist Lisa Friend and her father, internationally acclaimed violinist, Rodney Friend.
Join us for a champagne reception followed by a programme to include romantic film and classical works including Cinema Paradiso and Ladies in Lavender.
Date: Tuesday 19th June
Venue: The spectacular Leighton House Museum;
12 Holland Park Road, London, W18 8LZ
Time: 7pm
Tickets are £65 each and must be strictly limited
To reserve your ticket now, please click the link to email Helen Matthews (helen@pancreaticcanceraction.org)
- Posted by Admin on May 10, 2012
