Stay up to date with all Pancreatic Cancer Action Network news.
Message From The Volunteer Advisory Council
January is National Pancreatic Cancer Clinical Trials Awareness Month, a fact that most individuals don’t know and honestly many don’t care unless they have a family member or friend who has been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. Even then, people may be skeptical of something that is not a standard treatment of care and are hesitant to participate in a clinical trial. It can take 10-15 years to complete all 3 phases of a typical clinical trial before the licensing stage. As we all know, survivors of pancreatic cancer do not have the luxury of time.
As I thought about this topic, I was reminded of how few options were available in early 2010, when my life partner John Bradley and I launched the Boise Affiliate of the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network (PanCAN). Then, John was a 4-year survivor who had already beaten the dismal odds and was determined to make the most of his time because he knew it was not guaranteed. At that time there were just three FDA approved treatments for pancreatic cancer and 106 clinical trials. The participation rate of pancreatic cancer survivors in clinical trials was low and progress toward effective treatment options moved slowly as well.
I remember crying when I first heard PanCAN President and CEO Julie Fleshman speak about PanCAN’s Precision Promise℠ in 2016. Precision Promise was a new approach to pancreatic cancer clinical trials that was going to speed progress for patients by getting new and better treatments approved more quickly. It was going to take some time before it was up and running but I was thrilled because I knew it would change the way survivors and their families would think of clinical trials and ultimately save lives. I was also heartbroken because John didn’t have the opportunity to witness this incredible news as he lost his battle in 2014, as an 8 ½-year survivor.
In 2020, Precision Promise was launched at 12 sites nationwide. As of December 2022, the total number of Precision Promise Clinical Trial Consortium sites increased to 24 with additional sites to be activated over the next few months. I am grateful for the vision and dedication of thought leaders at PanCAN and the Clinical Trial Consortium sites. Without big, bold goals we would not have more approved treatments and/or standard of care treatments for pancreatic cancer survivors than we did in 2010.
As I was writing this article, Congress passed the FY23 Budget to include $7.32 billion for the National Cancer Institute (NCI), that’s an overall increase of $408 million for the NCI over the previous year. It also includes $15 million for the Pancreatic Cancer Research Program at the Department of Defense. PanCAN’s leadership has a vision to improve patient outcomes, the staff works hard to build relationships and set these incredible goals, but it is YOU AND HUNDREDS OF OTHER PASSIONATE VOLUNTEERS WHO MADE THIS HAPPEN!
There is still more work to do and sharing what we know about clinical trials, specifically Precision Promise, is where you and I come in. I look forward to seeing what more we can accomplish together in 2023. To each of you, “Thank You” for giving of your time and talents as we all work to change the future for pancreatic cancer survivors and their families.
As I thought about this topic, I was reminded of how few options were available in early 2010, when my life partner John Bradley and I launched the Boise Affiliate of the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network (PanCAN). Then, John was a 4-year survivor who had already beaten the dismal odds and was determined to make the most of his time because he knew it was not guaranteed. At that time there were just three FDA approved treatments for pancreatic cancer and 106 clinical trials. The participation rate of pancreatic cancer survivors in clinical trials was low and progress toward effective treatment options moved slowly as well.
I remember crying when I first heard PanCAN President and CEO Julie Fleshman speak about PanCAN’s Precision Promise℠ in 2016. Precision Promise was a new approach to pancreatic cancer clinical trials that was going to speed progress for patients by getting new and better treatments approved more quickly. It was going to take some time before it was up and running but I was thrilled because I knew it would change the way survivors and their families would think of clinical trials and ultimately save lives. I was also heartbroken because John didn’t have the opportunity to witness this incredible news as he lost his battle in 2014, as an 8 ½-year survivor.
In 2020, Precision Promise was launched at 12 sites nationwide. As of December 2022, the total number of Precision Promise Clinical Trial Consortium sites increased to 24 with additional sites to be activated over the next few months. I am grateful for the vision and dedication of thought leaders at PanCAN and the Clinical Trial Consortium sites. Without big, bold goals we would not have more approved treatments and/or standard of care treatments for pancreatic cancer survivors than we did in 2010.
As I was writing this article, Congress passed the FY23 Budget to include $7.32 billion for the National Cancer Institute (NCI), that’s an overall increase of $408 million for the NCI over the previous year. It also includes $15 million for the Pancreatic Cancer Research Program at the Department of Defense. PanCAN’s leadership has a vision to improve patient outcomes, the staff works hard to build relationships and set these incredible goals, but it is YOU AND HUNDREDS OF OTHER PASSIONATE VOLUNTEERS WHO MADE THIS HAPPEN!
There is still more work to do and sharing what we know about clinical trials, specifically Precision Promise, is where you and I come in. I look forward to seeing what more we can accomplish together in 2023. To each of you, “Thank You” for giving of your time and talents as we all work to change the future for pancreatic cancer survivors and their families.
- Written by Wendy Stoneberg, VAC Member
