Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month Resources
In 2021 alone, an estimated 60,430 Americans will be diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in the U.S., and nearly all will die from the disease. It’s the fourth leading cause of cancer-related death in United States and it is expected to be the second leading cause by 2030. This Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month, we’re featuring recent podcasts, blogs and clinical trials on pancreatic cancer — and the UF Health research and treatments dedicated to combatting this deadly disease.
PODCASTS
Whipple Surgery for Pancreatic Cancer Patients
Steven Hughes, M.D.
Neuroendocrine tumor (NET) management – the state of the art in 2021, including PRRT
Ali Zarrinpar, M.D. | Brian Ramnaraign, M.D. | Steven Hughes, M.D. | Kathryn Hitchcock, M.D., Ph.D.
BLOGS
Understanding your risk for pancreatic cancer
Sherise Rogers, M.D.
Have Hope: Discover Treatment Options for Pancreatic Cancer
Thomas George, M.D.
Targeting Pancreatic Cancer with Radiotherapy
Kathryn Hitchcock, M.D., Ph.D.
UF Health Cancer Physician Talks Rare Form of Pancreatic Cancer
Brian Ramnaraign, M.D.
Surgical Hope for Pancreatic Cancer
Steven J. Hughes, M.D.
The Importance of Genetic Testing for Pancreatic Cancer Patients
Lisa Brown, M.S.
CLINICAL TRIALS OPEN FOR ENROLLMENT
PANC-004
This phase II single arm study incorporates liposomal irinotecan, oxaliplatin and 5FU in a multiagent neoadjuvant regimen (NalIRIFOX) for patients with resectable or borderline resectable, previously untreated pancreatic adenocarcinoma. The primary objective of this study is to investigate the safety and feasibility of this treatment regimen in this patient population.
PI: Thomas George, M.D. Cell: 352.339.6672
PanCAN
A Multi-center Trial to Evaluate Multiple Regimens in Metastatic Pancreatic Cancer
Precision Promise is a multi-center, seamless Phase 2/3 platform trial designed to evaluate multiple regimens in metastatic pancreatic cancer. The study is comparing each investigational arm versus standard of care for overall survival in both first and second line metastatic pancreatic cancer. New arms are added and removed throughout the study. Standard of care for both first and second lines includes maximal supportive care, pancreatic enzyme replacement and Gem/Abraxane or mFOLFIRINOX. A current investigational arm in the 1L setting is Pamrevlumab with Gem/Abraxane. A current investigational arm in the 2L setting includes SM-88. Additional arms are in development.
PI: Thomas George, M.D. Cell: 352.339.6672
PC04
The purpose of this research study is to determine if there is an increase in the ability to perform surgical resections in pancreatic adenocarcinoma by using a combined treatment of proton radiation with capecitabine (oral chemotherapy). The study is looking to see if intensification of local and regional therapy might increase the number of patients who are able to undergo curative surgery and improve the local disease control and extend overall survival for patients who remain unresectable.
PI: Charles Nichols, M.D. Cell: 904.874.6107
GIANT
This phase II trial compares two treatment combinations in patients specifically older than the age of 65 with metastatic pancreatic cancer that has previously been untreated. Regimens include Gemcitabine with Abraxane versus nanoliposomal irinotecan with 5FU. Additional assessments include functional independence and quality of life.
PI: Sherise Rogers, M.D. Cell: 718.614.5727
ETG-003
Atezolizumab Plus Tivozanib in Pancreatic and other Immunologically Cold Tumor Types
This single-arm study aims to evaluate the combination of the immune check point inhibitor atezolizumab and the VEGF-TKI tivozanib in pancreatic and other cancers which are known to be immune resistant. The VEGF-axis is thought to play a key role in modulating the anti-tumor immune response and is being used here to potentiate the effect of immune checkpoint blockade. Subjects will receive atezolizumab 1680 mg IV every 4 weeks, with oral tivozanib once daily days 1-21 of a 28 day cycle. Patients must be > 18 years of age and diagnosed stage IV or otherwise incurable pancreatic or another immunologically cold tumor (including: bile duct or gallbladder, metastatic HR-negative HER2-postive breast, ovarian, vulvar, castrate resistant prostate, and soft tissue sarcomas).
Principal Investigators: Jonathan Chatzkel, M.D. (jonathan.chatzkel@medicine.ufl.edu) and Brian Ramnaraign, M.D. (brian.ramnaragin@medicine.ufl.edu)