Irving, TX – Pancreatic cancer is quite aggressive when it hits, but unfortunately, it can easily go undetected until it is too late for any interventions to make an impact. The pancreas is hidden behind other organs, which makes detection of pancreatic cancer difficult. Researchers have so far been able to find out some risk factors associated with this type of cancer. That is great progress because patients can look at their lifestyle and know whether they are at risk.

“A lot more information is required, but so far, the risk factors include smoking, genetics, obesity, and diabetes,” explains Susan Echt. “Extensive research is already underway to make detection and treatment of pancreatic cancer easier and within the earlier stages. Other studies are focused on prevention.”

Organizations undertake several research approaches, and they all work towards better diagnosis and treatment of pancreatic cancer. They include:

• Early detection – Research already shows that there are risk factors that predispose people to pancreatic cancer. Using special blood tests and imaging tools would be able to detect the cancer early enough. This applies to those considered to be at a high risk, so any signs can be found at precancerous stages, or early enough before it spreads.
• Genetic/molecular studies – Since cancer may cause damaged or abnormal genes causing uncontrolled cell growth, some research work is looking at damaged genes and proteins in a bid to repair them or even alter how they work.
• Immunotherapy – This refers to improving the body’s natural ability to fight cancer. This could be with the help of naturally occurring substances in the body or those synthesized in the laboratory.

“With all this research going on, it goes without saying that clinical trials are also part of the package,” says Susan Echt.“Patients can participate in clinical trials and help this cause along with their own health. With more involvement from all spheres, the search for pancreatic cancer treatment gets closer to the end.”

About The Sandler-Kenner Foundation

The Sandler-Kenner Foundation, established in 2007 as the Las Colinas Cancer Center Foundation, was renamed in early 2011 in the memory of Michael Sandler and Peter Kenner, both of whom passed away from pancreatic cancer, a lethal disease that is difficult to diagnose until it has reached an advanced stage.