Pancreatic Cancer Action Network

The Pancreatic Cancer Action Network (PanCAN) announced today the launch of Precision PromiseSM, the first of its kind adaptive clinical trial platform for pancreatic cancer patients. PanCAN’s Precision Promise was envisioned with a nationwide team of leading clinicians, researchers, and diagnostic and drug developers to test novel treatment options for pancreatic cancer patients quicker and cheaper and get them to patients faster, transforming the way clinical research is done.

Every pancreatic cancer treatment available today was approved through a clinical trial; however, standard trials are slow, costly, and have only had a 10 percent success rate over the last 20 years. PanCAN’s novel clinical trial platform is designed to enable the development of new treatments more efficiently than standard pancreatic cancer trials by testing multiple experimental therapies at the same time. Through Precision Promise, metastatic pancreatic cancer patients may have the opportunity to receive both first- and second- line treatment options in one clinical trial. As a late-stage platform, the potential for new drug approvals by the FDA is built into the model, which can accelerate the drug development process by up to two years. The statistical design of Precision Promise was led by world-renowned statistician Dr. Donald Berry (Berry Consultants), who designed the I-SPY breast cancer trials and has over 400 peer-reviewed publications.

Pancreatic cancer is currently the third leading cause of cancer-related death in the U.S., with an overall five- year survival rate of just 10 percent. Roughly 63 percent of patients die within the first year of a pancreatic cancer diagnosis, underscoring the urgent need for new and more effective treatment options.

“Pancreatic cancer patients don’t have time to wait for new treatments to be approved through the standard clinical trial model,” said Julie Fleshman, JD, MBA, PanCAN’s president and CEO. “As the first pancreatic cancer nonprofit organization to develop, sponsor, and lead an adaptive clinical trial platform, we are disrupting the current clinical trial system in order to accelerate progress for patients fighting this disease.”

Eligible pancreatic cancer patients will be able to enroll in PanCAN’s Precision Promise at one of 15 Clinical Trial Consortium sites nationwide. Sites were selected through a competitive, peer-review process and include:

Dana-Farber/Harvard Cancer Center (Boston, Mass.)

Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center/Seattle Cancer Care Alliance/University of Washington (Seattle, Wash.)

Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (New York City, N.Y.)

Moores Cancer Center at UC San Diego Health (San Diego, Calif.)

Perelman School of Medicine University of Pennsylvania (Philadelphia, Pa.)

Perlmutter Cancer Center/NYU Langone Health (New York City, N.Y.)

The University of Chicago (Chicago, Ill.)

The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center (Houston, Texas)

UC San Francisco Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center (San Francisco, Calif.)

University of Florida Health – Cancer Center (Gainesville, Fla.)

Virginia Mason Medical Center (Seattle, Wash.)

Washington University School of Medicine (St. Louis, Mo.)

Weill Cornell Medicine (New York City, N.Y.)

Cedars-Sinai Medical Center (Los Angeles, Calif.)

A full list of institutions that are open and actively enrolling patients can be found at

In partnership with Tempus, a leader in artificial intelligence and precision medicine, every patient enrolled in PanCAN’s Precision Promise trial will undergo broad-panel genomic testing. Precision promise will also support follow-up biopsies to learn how their tumor is responding to treatment. Through the adaptive nature of PanCAN’s Precision Promise, data will be constantly monitored, and treatment arms can be discontinued if results do not look promising.

“By designing a more patient-centric trial platform, we are able to test promising new therapies more quickly and learn from fewer patients if a treatment is working,” said Diane Simeone, MD, chair of the PanCAN Precision Promise Steering Committee and Precision Promise Principal Investigator at Perlmutter Cancer Center at NYU Langone Health. “The patients that enroll will also receive best-in-class supportive care alongside treatment with biomarker testing to better understand why treatments work in some patients but not in others. This approach should serve as a model for the next generation of trials – not only for pancreatic cancer, but for all diseases.”

PanCAN is the trusted and unbiased leader that is bringing together key stakeholders – investigators, clinicians, industry, pancreatic cancer thought-leaders and regulatory authorities – to make Precision Promise possible.

“Through groundbreaking initiatives like Precision Promise, PanCAN is committing to taking bold action in the fight against pancreatic cancer,” said Hilarie Koplow-McAdams, Venture Partner at New Enterprise Associates and chair of PanCAN’s Board of Directors, who lost her father to pancreatic cancer in 2012. “Anyone who has been personally touched by this disease understands the urgency needed to develop new treatment options. With PanCAN taking the initiative to drive innovation in this space, we can make meaningful progress.”

PanCAN is grateful to its generous donors as well as its Scientific & Medical Affairs Industry Members who help make research initiatives like Precision Promise possible. Industry members include: AbbVie, AstraZeneca, IPSEN, Pfizer, Tempus, TriSalus Life Sciences, and Tyme Technologies, Inc.

To learn more about Precison Promise and PanCAN’s commitment to research, visit pancan.org. Pancreatic cancer patients and caregivers can receive personalized support and resources, and more information about Precision Promise, through PanCAN’s Patient Services or by calling 877-2-PANCAN.

For the latest organization updates, follow the PanCAN on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

About the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network

The Pancreatic Cancer Action Network (PanCAN) is dedicated to fighting the world’s toughest cancer. In our urgent mission to save lives, we attack pancreatic cancer on all fronts: research, clinical initiatives, patient services, and advocacy. Our effort is amplified by a nationwide network of grassroots support. We are determined to improve outcomes for today’s patients and those diagnosed in the future.

Articles

Adaptive Clinical Trial Design Is More Cost Effective, Patient-Centric and Allows for Faster Learning Than Standard Trials


PANCREATIC CANCER ACTION NETWORK ANNOUNCES GROUNDBREAKING CLINICAL TRIAL PLATFORM TRANSFORMING DEVELOPMENT OF TREATMENT OPTIONS FOR WORLD’S TOUGHEST CANCER

, pancreatic cancer patients should work closely with their 

. Among the points to discuss are: goals of treatment, 

, potential side effects and length of treatment. The healthcare team is critical in making these decisions, but the patient should also be at the forefront, working with their doctor to develop a treatment plan that suits their individual needs.

, director of Patient Services at the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network (PanCAN), said that while patients may feel a sense of urgency in making a treatment decision, it’s important for patients to assess their own feelings about their goals for treatment.

Here’s what to know when considering your treatment plan:

“Every patient should feel comfortable discussing treatment options with their healthcare team, and the patient should take an active role in the discussion. It’s also OK for the patient to initiate the discussion with their doctor. Open communication with their healthcare team is crucial.”

Remember that you are your own best advocate. PanCAN strongly recommends that you discuss your treatment goals with your healthcare team and know all your options at every stage of your disease.

Think about what your treatment goals are and discuss them with your doctor. For example, are you looking to the treatment to prolong your life, no matter the side effects? To help you remain comfortable or avoid side effects?

Consider how much information you would like to know about your diagnosis and/or treatment plan and if you would like to designate someone to maintain detailed information about your care.

Conversations about the goals of treatment should be part of an ongoing dialogue with caregivers and/or family members, as well as other members of the healthcare team. It may also be helpful to discuss the topic with a social worker or other professional counselor, since emotional concerns may play a role.

Know that you should feel comfortable and supported by your healthcare team. You have the right to pursue or decline treatment, and if you do not feel comfortable with the decisions being made regarding treatment options, consider seeking a 

can be helpful in guiding conversations and helping patients gain information about potential treatment options. They can answer questions about the disease, provide treatment information, 

, identify local professional counseling resources and offer additional resources on pain and symptom management.

for information about pancreatic cancer treatment options, specialists near you or creating a treatment plan.

was originally published by the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network. It is republished with permission.

Your Treatment Plan: What You Need to Know

Receiving a pancreatic cancer diagnosis can stop a family in their tracks. Not only must patients and their loved ones navigate the emotional impact, but they are often asked to make quick treatment decisions. Attempting to learn and process large amounts of complex information can leave anyone feeling lost.

So where should you turn? Start with Patient Central.

The Pancreatic Cancer Action Network’s Patient Central is the first place to call after a diagnosis of pancreatic cancer or at any point in your journey. Patient Central Associates can help provide information for any question you have about pancreatic cancer. An Associate can also help you navigate the most critical decisions you’ll need to make to:

Find a pancreatic cancer specialist to get a proper diagnosis and treatment

	Seeing pancreatic cancer specialists, physicians who diagnose and treat a high volume of pancreatic cancer patients, improves outcomes. The Pancreatic Cancer Action Network (PanCAN) strongly recommends you consult with pancreatic cancer specialists who have experience diagnosing and treating the disease.

Understand all your treatment options and know which may work best for you

	Every pancreatic tumor is different. PanCAN strongly recommends molecular profiling of your tumor to help determine the best treatment options.

Consider clinical trials during each treatment decision, including at diagnosis

	Pancreatic cancer patients who participate in clinical research have better outcomes. Every treatment available today was approved through a clinical trial. PanCAN strongly recommends clinical trials at diagnosis and during every treatment decision.

	Seeing healthcare professionals who focus on symptom management and supportive (palliative) care improves outcomes and is critical for your quality of life. PanCAN strongly recommends that symptom management and supportive (palliative) care should be provided early in your diagnosis as well as during and after treatment. Good nutritional care also improves outcomes and is critical for your quality of life. PanCAN strongly recommends that patients have access to pancreatic enzymes and see a registered dietitian.

Connect with support resources like PanCAN’s Survivor and Caregiver Network

	Support for the pancreatic cancer patient is critical to improve quality of life and overall well-being. Having a support system of caregivers, family, friends, healthcare professionals and a Patient Central Associate is important to address and manage the needs of the patient.

Patient Central for personalized, one-to-one support from an Associate. All information and services are provided free of charge because of the philanthropy of generous friends.

How to Navigate Pancreatic Cancer Resources

A pancreatic cancer diagnosis and the decisions that come after can feel overwhelming. But getting organized can help patients and their loved ones take control and better understand their options.

Here are 10 tips for getting organized after diagnosis:

Get the basics about your diagnosis from your doctor. Some questions to ask are, “What type of pancreatic cancer do I have?” “What is the stage?” “What treatments do you recommend?”

 for information about the disease, treatment options — including clinical trials – side effects, finances and additional support.

Keep copies of your medical records and lab results. These are important when meeting with other doctors, especially when seeking a second opinion. You have the rights to all of your records and lab results.

Seek a second opinion. You have a right to seek a second opinion, and the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network strongly recommends seeking a second opinion, as needed, at any point in your diagnosis.

Select your healthcare team. Seeing pancreatic cancer specialists improves outcomes. PanCAN strongly recommends consulting with pancreatic cancer specialists who have experience diagnosing and treating the disease.

Learn about treatment options, and consider a 

. You are your own best advocate. PanCAN strongly recommends discussing your treatment goals with your healthcare team and knowing all of your options at every stage of your disease. And pancreatic cancer patients who participate in clinical research have better outcomes. Every treatment available today was approved through a clinical trial. We strongly recommend clinical trials at diagnosis and during every treatment decision. Our Patient Central Associates can perform a personalized clinical trials search for you.

Track your symptoms, side effects and questions and then 

 about them. Try providing this information to your doctor before the appointment.

Find out what support resources (counseling, navigation services, complementary medicine, etc.) are available through your hospital. An oncology social worker may be particularly helpful in connecting you with resources.

Appeal when insurance claims are rejected. Every insurance company has an appeals process. Keep copies of all the paperwork you submit.

Get support from family, friends and others with the disease. Support is critical to improve quality of life and overall well-being. Contact Patient Central to learn about our 

 and to connect with others who are also experiencing pancreatic cancer.

for more information about any of these topics or for answers to your other pancreatic cancer questions. You can also order our 

for more information to help you become informed and get organized after diagnosis.

Author | Pancreatic Cancer Action Network

PANCREATIC CANCER ACTION NETWORK ANNOUNCES GROUNDBREAKING CLINICAL TRIAL PLATFORM TRANSFORMING DEVELOPMENT OF TREATMENT OPTIONS FOR WORLD’S TOUGHEST CANCER

Your Treatment Plan: What You Need to Know

How to Navigate Pancreatic Cancer Resources

10 Tips to Help You Get Organized After Diagnosis