2006 news stories
December. 27, 2006
Press release
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Threshold Pharmaceuticals Announces Top-Line Phase 2 Clinical Trial Results of Glufosfamide for Treatment of Pancreatic Cancer, used in combination with gemcitabine
December 24, 2006
Cancer beater: Swims 73 laps for each year of life
Roanoke Daily Herald, Roanoke Rapids, North Carolina
Caption for the photo with this article says it all: "Seventy-three-year-old pancreatic cancer survivor Don Chartier towels off after completing his 73-lap swim at the Aquatic Center Friday." Already a prostate cancer survivor, Chartier was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in January, had surgery and then went through many rounds of chemotherapy and radiation therapy. He believes his swimming habit helped save his life.
December 21, 2006
Pearl doc looks for love on TV
Honolulu Star-Bulletin, Honolulu, Hawaii
Star of the upcoming season of 'The Bachelor,' U.S. Navy Lt. Andy Baldwin, M.D., has started a fund for pancreatic cancer research in memory of an uncle and has raised $20,000 to date.
December 19, 2006
Press releases
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GenVec Announces Efficacy Update in Phase II/III Clinical Trial of TNFerade in Locally Advanced Pancreatic Cancer, Interim Survival Analysis Exceeds Expectations
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Allergy drug slows pancreatic tumor growth in preclinical studies, combining the drug, cromolyn, with chemotherapy was nearly three times better at retarding growth of pancreatic tumors in mice compared to the chemotherapy agent gemcitabine alone
December 14, 2006
Cancer foundation honors late husband
South Lyon Herald, Michigan
Couple met late and life and were married in the hospital. Dick Hall lost his two-year fight at 54. His wife Pat carries on through a foundation she started to help patients and families who might not be able to afford expensive treatments.
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Richard B. Hall Pancreatic Cancer Foundation
December 12, 2006
Family helps doctors trace pancreatic cancer gene
Reuters
A gene that helps cells keep their shape also causes pancreatic cancer when mutated and it might provide clues to what causes the lethal disease and how it spreads so fast, researchers said. They found the gene, called "palladin," in a family plagued by the cancer.
Dr. Teresa Brentnall, an associate professor of medicine at the University of Washington, learned of a family in which 18 members, over four generations, had died of pancreatic cancer. About 10 percent of cases are inherited.
Brentnall and her team hope to develop a blood screening test for pancreatic cancer using the palladin protein.
Press releases
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With the Support of Lustgarten Foundation, Researcher Discovers a Gene That Causes Familial Pancreatic Cancer
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University of Washington-led team discovers a gene that causes familial pancreatic cancer
December 8, 2006
Press release
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Blood pressure drugs could help halt pancreatic cancer spread
December 6, 2006
Hike Iowa for Hope: A big success
Sioux City Journal, Sioux City, Iowa
Jody Moats walked close to 300 miles, over 560,000 steps, 12 counties in 17 days across Iowa. Close to $7,500 was raised. She hopes to make this an annual event: "Help us tell pancreatic cancer to take a hike."
Press release
>> Japanese Study Confirms Safety and Efficacy of Intravenous Rexin-G(TM) as Treatment for Diverse Metastatic Cancers
December 5, 2006
Lions' official dealing with cancer
San Jose Mercury News, San Jose, California
Terrific story on Detroit Lion's director of security and his approach to fighting pancreatic cancer. On May 30, Ricky Sandoval was diagnosed with Stage IV pancreatic cancer. Sandoval, 46, and his wife, Gael, quickly studied the disease and discovered that the survival rate of at least five years is less than 4 percent. "The heck with that," Sandoval said. "I'm not going to die because a number on a piece of paper tells me it's time. I'll die when the good Lord says it's time, or my body gives out trying."
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His site: www.rickysvictory.com
Pavarotti completes cancer treatment but won't attend award ceremony
The Associated Press
Luciano Pavarotti, battling pancreatic cancer, recently completed medical treatment and is looking forward to resuming his concert tour next year but he didn't attend a ceremony as announced previously to receive an award. The singer "recently completed his medical treatment and couldn't be happier with his results and progress," his manager said, without describing the treatment.
Press release
>> More common associations found between BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutations and cancer
December 4, 2006
Blogging helps grieving wife
The Wichita Eagle, Wichita, Kansas
Claudette Glenn's online journal connects her to loved ones and support after her husband's death in October. Although she has friends and family to help her grieve, what has helped her is writing about it through the blog, or online journal, that the family started when Jeff's cancer was diagnosed in August.
November 30, 2006
Press release
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OHSU surgeon gives patients with lethal cancer reason to hope
November 28, 2006
Stars defenceman Philippe Boucher playing through his father's illness
Metro, Toronto, Canada
It's a tough time for veteran Dallas defenceman Philippe Boucher. His father is seriously ill with pancreatic cancer. "It's pretty serious," said Boucher. "It's pancreatic cancer and it was caught late. There's not much they can do."
November 22, 2006
Shelton youngster aids ailing officer
The Connecticut Post, Bridgeport, Connecticut
James Tortora figured that a friend of his father's could use a little help, so he used his school lunch hours to do some fundraising. James, 12, raised $700 to be given to the family of Officer Jay Silva, a 21-year police officer who was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer earlier this year.
Lights shine to honor small town mayor
Sioux City Journal, Sioux City, Iowa
Maurice Iowa Mayor Duane Van Der Weide, fighting pancreatic cancer, has been a leading light in his town. As part of holiday celebration he fostered, local booster club purchased purple candles to support him and shed light on pancreatic cancer.
November 21, 2006
Man defied the cancer odds
Martinsville Bulletin, Martinsville, Virginia
From the story: "Following a diagnosis of liver and pancreatic cancer and given three to six months to live, Lonnie Stone decided to donate his body to medical research.
"That was in January 1991.
"Since then, researchers have isolated a cell in his blood that is considered a killer cell for some types of cancers, and overall, 'the last 15 years have been the best years of my life,' Stone said."
Initial treatment is described as being Tumor Necrosis Factor (TNF), but stopped because of severe side effects. That was followed by a Cisplatin and Adriamycin chemotherapy combination. Later he said doctors identified a killer T cell in his body, since used in other studies.
(Note: Story quotes patient and does not provide detailed medical information.)
Daughter discovers father's pancreatic cancer
Hesperia Star, Hesperia, California
Ultrasound technician finds abnormalities in her father's pancreas, subsequently confirmed as pancreatic cancer. The former athlete succumbs to the disease just nine months later at 58.
November 20, 2006
Fund-Raising on Borrowed Time
The Wall Street Journal, New York, New York
Story focuses on an ALS charity, but finds similarities in the challenges to raising money for pancreatic cancer research: "In diseases that are highly lethal, such as ALS or pancreatic cancer and ovarian cancer, patients often have little time to stump for cash. ... Also, families and the patients who do survive can feel isolated by the lack of a large community. "It's like a bad nightmare and they want to move on, not start fund raising," says Paula Kim," who helped found a PanCAN after her father died of the disease.
Local Pancreatic Cancer Patient Doing Well After Treatment
WTAE Channel 4, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Transcript of a television feature story on a 42-year-old woman doing well with an inoperable tumor treated with Gemzar and Tarceva.
November 17, 2006
'Thanks for listening to me one more time,' Winnipeg pastor says posthumously at funeral
CBC, Winnipeg, Manitoba
In a videotaped eulogy produced before his death, Winnipeg pastor and inner-city activist Rev. Harry Lehotsky spoke to the nearly 2,000 people attending his funeral, thanking them and urging them to continue his work in the community. Family, church members, politicians, social activists and inner-city residents packed a church for his funeral.
The 49-year-old pastor and inner-city activist died on Saturday after a five-month battle with pancreatic cancer.
November 15, 2006
OHSU's goal: Early detection of cancer
The Oregonian, Portland, Oregon
A key to curing pancreatic cancer is finidng it early. "If you look at early stage pancreatic cancer, those people have decent survival," said surgeon Dr. Brett Sheppard of Oregon Health & Science University. "The problem is, we don't catch it early." Eager for change, Sheppard and other researchers have started an ambitious search for a test that could show early changes in cells, signaling the birth of a pancreatic tumor.
November 14, 2006
Press release
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New model to aid pancreatic cancer research
November 10, 2006
Oregon Surgeon Gives Patients With Lethal Cancer Reason To Hope
, Medford, Oregon
Hope is an essential but rare commodity for patients with pancreatic cancer, according to Ann Moore, 54, of Bend, Ore., who was diagnosed with pancreatic adenocarcinoma in 2004. She sought second, third and fourth opinions, but her prognosis was persistently grim. "My tumor was massive and involved all the blood vessels," said Moore. "Because of its location, I was told it was inoperable and therefore incurable. I was repeatedly told there was zero percent chance of cure. After a year of chemotherapy and radiation my tumor had shrunk to the point where Dr. (Brett) Sheppard was willing to perform surgery." Her surgery involved resection of the portal vein. "Dr. Sheppard explained that the surgery would be dangerous, but I was willing to do anything to live."
November 8, 2006
Cancer Victim Lives Life To The Fullest
WCSH 6, Portland, Maine
Pancreatic cancer often goes undetected until it's too late. That's why some call it "the silent killer." On average, patients live for only six months after being diagnosed. For Steve Delorge , beating those odds also meant starting over. Just 38 when diagnosed, after surgery and 6 months of chemo, he's been cancer free for a year.
Americans think death 'optional', says AstraZeneca CEO
Reuters
Americans have a unique sense of entitlement to healthcare not seen in the rest of the world, and regard dying as a choice, according to the chief executive of drug company AstraZeneca. "Americans have a funny approach to this — we think death is optional," joked David Brennan.
"We treat an 87-year-old person with pancreatic cancer the same way we treat an 18-year-old with pancreatic cancer."
Press release
>> Fizzy drinks increase risk of pancreatic cancer
November 5, 2006
A personal fight for progress in treatment of pancreatic cancer
St. Paul Pioneer Press, St. Paul, Minnesota
First person account from Dr. Anna Masellis, a cancer researcher and at 42 a two-time cancer survivor. "On the first day of my life beyond my two-month prognosis, I became a survivor of pancreatic cancer. Now, in telling my story I hope to be one voice among many that will change the perception of this disease by raising public awareness of what pancreatic cancer is and the challenges faced by patients and medical professionals. We can be on the forefront of finding a novel treatment for this disease, but there is a critical need to speed up the search for a cure through increasing research funding and improving treatment options."
November 1, 2006
Catching a killer
Fort Wayne Journal Gazette, Fort Wayne, Indiana
Strong editorial calling for increased research funding for pancreatic cancer.
October 31, 2006
Pine Crest swimmer has one goal in mind
Miami Herald, Miami, Florida
Yoelvis Pedraza's father died of pancreatic cancer three week's after diagnosis. Orelvis Pedraza left his youngest son with two requests: graduate college and break a high school state swimming record.
Update
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Pedraza breaks oldest state record "It's a night I will never forget — a night I swam for my father," said a teary-eyed Pedraza, whose father died of pancreatic cancer in January. "He told me to break the state record before he died and I did."
The Gainesville Sun
October 25, 2006
Press release
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Pharmion Corporation Initiates Phase One/Two Combination Clinical Trial With MGCD0103 and Gemzar in Patients With Pancreatic Cancer
October 24, 2006
Press release
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Myriad Genetics Sponsors Clinical Trial in Pancreatic Cancer, providing genetic
testing component of clinical trial at Johns Hopkins University involving patients with a mutation in the BRCA2 gene
October 19, 2006
Job at PC plant may raise risk of cancer death
Reuters
Death rates, both overall and cancer-related, are considerably higher among workers engaged in manufacturing computers and component parts, when compared with the general population, according to a report in the journal Environmental Health. Pancreatic cancer was one of the diseases showing a higher incidence.
Suicide Risk Doubles After Cancer Diagnosis
CBC News, Canada
Although their overall incidence of suicide is still low, cancer patients are more than twice as likely to take their own lives compared to those in the general population, according to a Canadian study. Generally speaking, poor prognosis was associated with a higher suicide risk, although this did not hold true for pancreatic cancer.
October 12, 2006
Supercomputers Tackle Cancer: Technology Is Helping Doctors Determine The Right Treatment For Each Patient
CBS News, New York, New York
Story on using supercomputers to analyze the treatment susceptibilities of an individual's cancer focuses on a pancreatic cancer patient. Analysis recommended he be treated with two targeted therapies — Iressa, a treatment normally used for lung cancer, and Urbitux, which treats colon cancer. That was two years ago. Video of Katie Couric interview also available on the site.
October 11, 2006
Press releases
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Mouse tests predict drug response in relapsing pancreatic cancer patients
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European Regulatory Authority Recommends Orphan Drug Designation for MediGene’s Drug Candidate EndoTAG-1
October 3, 2006
UMass scientist wins Nobel for RNAi discovery
Telegram & Gazette, Worcester, Massachusetts
Dr. Craig C. Mello of the University of Massachusetts Medical School in Worcester won the Nobel Prize in medicine for his role in discovering RNA interference, a gene-silencing mechanism that has become an essential research tool and potential weapon against disease.
September 28, 2006
Press release
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Threshold Pharmaceuticals Receives Orphan Drug Designation for Glufosfamide
September 27, 2006
Press release
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U.S. Congress Passes HR 745 Declaring November National Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month
September 25, 2006
Press release
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The Pancreatic Cancer Action Network (PanCAN) Launches International Affiliate in Japan
September 23, 2006
Family's gift serves pancreatic cancer battle
Commercial Appeal, Memphis, Tennessee
For a man in his 60s, Herb Kosten was remarkably healthy, until he was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer and died about 10 months later.
His death inspired his family to start raising money for research to fight pancreatic cancer.
Today they've found a source to use the money they raised through memorial tennis tournaments. They've donated $80,000 in July and plan to give more to support work by Dr. Stephen Behrman, a professor at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center who conducts his own research on the disease.
September 20, 2006
'Brilliant' cancer scientist had double life as animal rights sab
The Times, London, United Kingdom
A cancer research specialist described as "brilliant" was jailed for three years after he pleaded guilty to leading a double life as an animal rights saboteur. Joseph Harris, 26, a doctor of molecular biology who has been working on a treatment for pancreatic cancer at Queen's Medical Centre in Nottingham, waged a campaign of vandalism against three companies which carried out work for Huntingdon Life Sciences, an animal testing firm.
September 13, 2006
Vitamin D Appears to Cut Risk of Pancreatic Cancer
Reuters
People who take the recommended daily amount of Vitamin D are about half as likely to get deadly pancreatic cancer as people who do not. Now researchers are checking to see if getting the vitamin from food or sunlight also cuts the risk. People who took the U.S. recommended daily allowance of Vitamin D, 400 international units (IU), had a 43 percent lower risk of pancreatic cancer. Those who took less than 150 IU per day had a 22 percent reduced risk. Vitamin D is produced by the body when sunlight hits the skin, but most Americans do not get enough sunlight to produce the needed amount. Milk, both dairy and soy, is fortified with the vitamin. Some foods, including fish, eggs and liver, also contain Vitamin D.
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Vitamin D Cuts Pancreatic Cancer Risk, Associated Press account
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Study: Vitamin D cuts risk of pancreatic cancer, New England Cable News video
September 11, 2006
Hiking across Iowa for cancer awareness
The Waterloo Cedar Falls Courier, Iowa
Jody Moats is hiking across Iowa to raise awareness and money for pancreatic cancer research. Her father, Darwin Hartnett, died from the disease in 2005. Moats isn't going at this alone. She is joined for part of the walk by Todd Von Ehwegen, whose lost his mother to pancreatic cancer. And in many of the cities she has passed through local residents will stop her or join the walk in honor of someone they lost.
Press release
>> Vitamin D may cut pancreatic cancer risk by nearly half
September 8, 2006
Press release
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Addition of Camptosar to Gemzar Does Not Improve Survival with Advanced Pancreatic Cancer
September 6, 2006
Research Med Center offers liver, pancreas institute
Kansas City Business Journal, Kansas City, Missouri
Research Medical Center has partnered with a multidisciplinary team of physicians to launch the Liver & Pancreas Institute of Kansas City. Modeled after similar programs at university hospitals and cancer specialty centers across the country, the institute is designed to improve treatment and aid in early diagnosis of problems associated with diseases of the liver, pancreas and biliary tract.
September 5, 2006
Jody Moats' Iowa walk diary
Sioux City Journal, Sioux City, Iowa
Jody Moats is walking across the state of Iowa to promote awareness of pancreatic cancer. This is her daily journal of her trip.
Press release
>> Her Mission: Finish 911 Memorial, started by husband lost to pancreatic cancer
September 2, 2006
Finding a formula to fight cancer
San Gabriel Valley Tribune, San Gabriel, California
Interesting story on a promising treatment approach in early stage trials. Story focuses on patient Ray Natha, 53, who has been fighting pancreatic cancer for 4 years ... and conventional treatments were failing him. He's the first human patient to try a nanomedicine being developed by Mark Davis of Caltech. Story describes the approach this way: "Davis designed tiny nets made of rings of sugar molecules that could carry caches of cancer-fighting drugs deep into tumors. By creating these nets from scratch, Davis was able to make them just small enough to pass from the bloodstream into the tumor, just large enough not to be filtered out by the kidneys and have just the right chemistry to allow them to sneak into cancer cells and release their toxic cargo. ... In animal studies, these factors combined to yield impressive and heartening results. But, cautioned Davis, 'the difficulty in this area is it doesn't count until you put it in humans.' "
Barbara's joy at two wishes
Telegraph & Argus, Bradford, United Kingdom
Terminal pancreatic cancer patient Barbara Hunter has fulfilled two very special final wishes. She's married her partner and held a fund-raiser that produced a £5,000 gift for the hospice that's caring for her
>> Bride Barbara loses her cancer battle, September 7 story
August 24, 2006
Rubber tycoon Gates saw potential benefits
Rocky Mountain News, Denver, Colorado
Children for rubber tycoon Charles C. Gates, who died of pancreatic cancer, donate $6 million to the University of Colorado School of Medicine. The gift establishes the Charles C. Gates Regenerative Medicine and Stem Cell Biology Program, which will focus on research that could cure debilitating diseases.
Event
>> Racing for Awareness, Movin' & Groovin', Richmond, Virginia
August 15, 2006
Report: Ailing Pavarotti expresses faith
The Associated Press
Luciano Pavarotti said he will remain optimistic until his death that he can overcome pancreatic cancer, in an interview with an Italian newspaper. The interview published in Corriere della Sera quoted Pavarotti as saying that the cancer was punishment for his good fortune.
August 13, 2006
Old school, new vision
New modes of treatment at Johns Hopkins transcend the traditional pursuit of surgical perfection
Baltimore Sun, Baltimore, Maryland
Comprehensive story on surgical excellence is built around the work of Dr. John Cameron, 69, an expert at the Whipple at Johns Hopkins. "Cameron has been improving the surgery for more than 20 years. No breakthrough catapulted him. His achievement came in increments — one patient, one operation, one stitch at a time." Reporter also chronicles a Whipple operation from beginning to end.
Part two of series
>>
Making way for the future, August 14, 2006
August 11, 2006
Prof to cycle 100 miles in cancer fund-raiser
UDaily, Newark, Delaware
John Scholz, University of Delaware professor, was diagnosed with adenocarcinoma in 2003 and fought on. Since then he's been rediagnosed with neuroendocrine cancer. He'll be riding 100 miles Sept. 10 in the Philadelphia Livestrong Challenge, celebrating survival and helping others.
Event
>> Golden Gallop: Race to Defeat Pancreatic Cancer, Golden, Colorado
August 10, 2006
Carrying on after loss of her husband
Ventura County Star, Ventura, California
Tender feature on a philanthropist Barbara Meister who is chairing a cancer fundraiser begins: "Three months was all that separated Larry Meister's diagnosis of pancreatic cancer from his death."
An ambassador for cancer awareness
Wellesley Townsman, Wellesley, Massachusetts
Story on a man's long-term commitment to American Cancer Society: "When Chip Thayer’s father was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in 1990, Thayer’s first reaction was, 'I’ve got to do something.' That day, he came home to find an American Cancer Society solicitation waiting for him in the mail."
August 7, 2006
Marlborough Police to hold road race Sept. 16
MetroWest Daily News, Framingham, Massachusetts
Every year, the Police Department takes time to remember William Kirby, a sergeant with the department, who died at 57 in 2002 after an eight-month battle with pancreatic cancer.
Since his death, the Marlborough Police Patrol Officers Association has sponsored a 5K road race and family fun walk, with the proceeds now benefiting the Pancreatic Cancer Alliance. This year’s event will take place Saturday Sept. 16, at Marlborough Fish and Game on Muddy Lane. The road race kicks off at 11 a.m. and the one-mile family walk begins at 11:15 a.m.
August 6, 2006
Time to collect on those good deeds
Los Angeles Daily News, Los Angeles, California
Strong outpouring of support for Jon Aronson as he raises money to fight pancreatic cancer that his father, Bob Aronson, now faces. Aronson has pledges of more than $25,000 to support his triathalon bid to raise money for research.
August 5, 2006
Ionia throws parade in honor of man's 90th birthday
The Courier, Waterloo, Iowa
First parade in Ionia since the 1970s marks the 90th birthday of Hubert "Hoop" Burgart, the "man" in a town of 304. The parade was postponed in January when he was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, but surgery was successful. "He's recovered and is doing real well. They think they got it all," his daughter said. Parade will have at least 110 units.
August 3, 2006
Event
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Friends of Babs Benefit By Bretton Woods
August 1, 2006
WTAM's Coleman defying illness in return to show
The Plain Dealer, Cleveland, Ohio
Veteran Cleveland sports broad caster Casey Coleman, who has been off the air from his show "Wills and Coleman in the Morning" on WTAM AM/1100, returns today despite a 10-month battle with pancreatic cancer.
July 31, 2006
Press release
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Receptor BioLogix Acquires Late-Stage Cancer Drug from Aphton Corp.
Insegia Immunotherapeutic for Pancreatic and Stomach Cancers
July 30, 2006
Always he's been painting
The Winston-Salem Journal, Winston-Salem, North Carolina
Painter Ted Potter, former director of the Southeastern Center for Contemporary Art, has a retrospective — The Immediacy of the Game: 50 Years of Ted Potter's Art — at the center.
Potter, 72, learned in recent months that he has pancreatic cancer. "It comes out of the blue," he said. "All of a sudden, you have a stomach ache that won't go away." He is in the midst of chemotherapy. While acknowledging the seriousness of the disease, he said that his plan is to beat it so that he can get back to making paintings and playing golf.
July 28, 2006
Roche cancer drug Tarceva receives negative review from European medical body
AFX News Limited
Roche Holdings AG said its Tarceva has received a negative opinion from the European Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use as combination treatment with gemcitabine chemotherapy for first line treatment of advanced pancreatic cancer. The company said it will "consider all options following this decision, including requesting a re-examination of this decision." Tarceva has already been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in November 2005 for the first-line treatment of patients with locally advanced, unresectable or metastatic pancreatic cancer in combination with gemcitabine chemotherapy.
July 27, 2006
Volunteers plant seed of detection
MetroWest Daily News, Framingham, Massachusetts
Feature on
Pancreatic Cancer Alliance's Crabapples for a Cure campaign in which Bigelow Nurseries is making a donation to pancreatic cancer research for every tree sold. In the story, Alliance members Mary Beth Curnen and Dick and Hilda Sweeney simply state why we fight on: "There are a lot of advocates for breast cancer, and a lot of survivors," Sweeney said. "With pancreatic cancer, there are no survivors."
July 24, 2006
Pavarotti Vows to Return to the Stage
The Associated Press
Luciano Pavarotti says he has no intention of letting the curtain fall yet on his singing career despite recent surgery for pancreatic cancer. "I have every intention of returning to singing," the 70-year-old tenor said in an interview with the Italian daily La Stampa.
>>
Pavarotti returns home from hospital, July 23
July 20, 2006
http://www2.townonline.com/northborough/localRegional/view.bg?articleid=541162Residents ride in Pan Mass bike challenge
Northborough-Southborough Villager, Northborough, Massachusetts
Story on people participating in Pan Mass two day bicycle fundraiser for cancer research includes Carol Bradley, who lost her mother to pancreatic cancer five weeks after diagnosis. "From the moment we found out until the moment she died, we felt absolutely helpless to be able to do anything for her as far as a cure. Imagine not being able to help the one person that has been there for you, helping you all of your life," said Bradley.
July 19, 2006
Press release
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BSD Medical's BSD-2000 May Provide Hope for Pancreatic Cancer Patients, Phase II claim for hyperthermia treatment
July 18, 2006
Proteins linked to pancreatic cancer spread found
Reuters
Scientists have discovered two proteins that might explain why pancreatic cancer is so aggressive. The proteins called CapG and Gelsolin regulate cell movement and "may play a fundamental role in the aggressive spread and growth of pancreatic tumors," said Dr Eithne Costello of the University of Liverpool in northern England.
When researchers lowered the amounts of CapG and Gelsolin in laboratory samples of cancerous tissue it reduced the spread of the cancerous cells. The amount of CapG found in the nucleus of cancerous cells was proportional to the size of the tumour.
July 17, 2006
Press release
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UMass Medical School Researcher Receives AACR-PanCAN Career Development Award For Pancreatic Cancer Research
July 14, 2006
Procedure uses sound, not a scalpel
Charlotte Observer, Charlotte, North Carolina
Story written after Barbara Tate, a prominent Realtor, died in China, where she had traveled to seek ultrasound procedure unavailable in the United States. According to the story: "High-intensity focused ultrasound, or HIFU, is an alternative to invasive surgery that is approved in this country for treating uterine fibroids. It is also offered here, through clinical trials only, for the treatment of prostate cancer.
"But elsewhere in the world, doctors use the technique to treat pancreatic, breast, liver and kidney cancer. ...
"Dr. Robert Fraser, a radiation oncologist at Carolinas Medical Center, said a Chinese study involving eight patients with pancreatic cancer was published in the fall 2005 issue of the journal Radiology. It reported that the average survival after HIFU treatment was one year."
July 13, 2006
Bartlett’s $400,000 throw still drawing attention
The Natchez Democrat, Natchez, Mississippi
Three years ago Chuck Bartlett’s miracle hurl from the 30-yard line during halftime of the 2003 SEC championship game won him $400,000 and an endless stream of publicity form the Dr Pepper promotion. Five weeks ago he was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. "I know I’m considered a long shot," Bartlett said. "I don’t mind that. I know that God worked one miracle through me and He can do it again if He wants."
July 11, 2006
'Chekhov & Maria' Shows the Relationship Between the Russian Playwright and His Sister
The New York Times, New York, New York
From review of a new play by the late Jovanka Bach. "Ms. Bach, who died of pancreatic cancer in January at 69, had something in common with Chekhov: like him, she practiced medicine (in her case, dermatology) as well as wrote for the stage. And as it turned out, she was dying as she completed her story about his last days."
July 10, 2006
Fundraisers slated for cancer-stricken coach
The Flint Journal, Flint, Michigan
After diagnosis with pancreatic cancer in late 2004, Bill Millington endured major surgery, followed by six months of intense radiation treatments and chemotherapy, but continued to coach the LakeVille High School boys basketball team. But the symptoms returned in December 2005, and doctors determined the cancer was back. Family members have organized a pair of fundraisers for Millington, 46.
Press release
>> Novel Approach Images Pancreatic Tumors with Nanoparticles
July 7, 2006
Luciano Pavarotti recovering from surgery
The Associated Press
The tenor of his times to opera buffs and a celebrity whose personality captivated even casual fans,
Luciano Pavarotti is recovering from surgery for pancreatic cancer. His manager said he's recovering well, and two cancer experts said surgery offered improved odds for survival.
"Fortunately, the mass was able to be completely removed at surgery," his manager said, adding that "his physicians are encouraged by the physical and emotional resilience of their patient."
July 6, 2006
New Treatments For Pancreatic Cancer
KGO-TV, San Francisco, California
Summary of this television report: "Pancreatic cancer is the deadliest form of the disease. Almost all who are diagnosed with it will die within six-to-12-months. But there is some exciting research taking place. Meet one patient who's beating the odds, and a Bay Area company hoping to offer a powerful solution." Patient Ed Marra is taking Avastin along with Gemzar for chemotherapy. Story also features Dr. Margaret Tempero, University of California San Francisco, and a discussion of work on vaccines at Cerus Corporation.
>>
Video version of story
Procedure helps rid man of pancreatic cancer
Star-Telegram, Fort Worth, Texas
Story on one pancreatic cancer case, focusing on Ed Hodges' successful Whipple surgery. "I think 90 percent of the reason I’m alive today is willpower," said Hodges, 65. "I got mad and decided no damn cancer is going to kill me."
July 2, 2006
Ex-PD publisher a devoted leader
The Press Democrat, Santa Rosa, California
Michael J. Parman's 15-month battle with pancreatic cancer has come to an end. The distinguished newsman retired as publisher of the Santa Rosa Press Democrat but continued to serve the public through the online journal he wrote chronicling his fight. He was 61. "We make every moment count. We love deeper. We live deeper. We soar on hope and laughter. We appreciate everything and nothing is ever taken for granted," Parman wrote. "And when all of our families join together, the spirit is far bigger than any football field."
>>
Mike Parman's blog about his battle
June 28, 2006
UMass asst. prof wins $150,000 to do research
Telegram & Gazette, Worcester, Massachusetts
Dr. Jennifer F. Tseng, the
Pancreatic Cancer Alliance scholar at University of Massachusetts Medical School in Worcester, has won a Howard Hughes Medical Institute Physician-Scientist Early Career Award.
"This funding will greatly benefit my research into the treatment of pancreatic cancer — one of the deadliest cancers and also one of the least well-funded," Dr. Tseng said in a statement. "With my colleagues at UMass Medical School, it is my goal to develop the tools and technology to beat this cancer, both one patient at a time through clinical excellence, and globally, through basic and clinical research."
Therion to close, sell assets after cancer drug trial fails
The Boston Globe, Boston Massachusetts
Therion Biologics Corp. will close and be sold after its pancreatic cancer drug candidate failed a pivotal human test. Story reports: "In a test on 255 patients with advanced pancreatic cancer, Therion had hoped its vaccine would extend the patients' average life expectancy from three to five months. The company said the drug failed to reach that goal." As a result, the company's majority owner decided to sell the firm's assets.
Press release
>> Therion Reports Results of Phase 3 PANVAC-VF Trial and Announces Plans for Company Sale, did not improve patient survival
Adams farmer beating deadly cancer
The Leaf-Chronicle, Clarksville, Tennessee
Four years after diagnosis with pancreatic cancer, Doyle Moore is gardening, traveling, parasailing.
Now 81, Doyle is in an unfortunately small club. He says he has never met another survivor of pancreatic cancer. His treatment consisted of the Whipple followed by a course of chemotherapy.
June 27, 2006
Genentech Halts Pancreatic Cancer Study
The Associated Press
Biotech drug maker Genentech Inc. said Tuesday that it stopped a late-stage pancreatic cancer clinical trial after deciding its cancer drug Avastin would not significantly improve patient survival.
>>
Roche sees only limited financial impact from abandoned Avastin trials,
Forbes
>>
Genentech/Roche: Avastin success in pancreatic cancer on hold?, another trial continues with Gemzar and Tarceva,
Pharmaceutical Business Review
June 26, 2006
Press release
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Phase III Study of Avastin in Advanced Pancreatic Cancer Does Not Meet Primary Endpoint, trial stopped
June 25, 2006
Medicare's sinkhole:
Senior citizens stuck in drug program's coverage gap
The Denver Post, Denver, Colorado
Story on the "doughnut hole" in Medicare drug plan focuses on a pancreatic cancer patient. From the story: "At first, health insurance with the new Medicare prescription drug plan seemed like a good deal to Dave and Sharyn Madison.
Then Dave Madison got cancer. ...
This month, their co-pay was $1,307 for the oral chemotherapy Dave Madison needs to fight his pancreatic cancer. That seemed like a lot, until they learned that in July, they'll have to pay the entire cost of that drug: $2,587."
June 20, 2006
Press releases
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ArQule Initiates Phase 2 Clinical Development of ARQ 501 for Pancreatic Cancer
>>
New Strategic Initiatives Announced at Boston Biomedical Research Institute
June 19, 2006
Patients help fight cancer after death
The Associated Press
Pancreatic cancer killed William Schunk. Now scientists are using his body to fight back.
Within about an hour of his death, researchers at the University of Nebraska Medical Center began collecting the Omaha veteran's organs as part of a unique "rapid autopsy" program. The goal: To create a library of tissue that could finally point scientists to new ways to diagnose and treat this most lethal of cancers.
Enveloped in the love of others —
Benefits to assist 2 families in crisis
Binghamton Press & Sun-Bulletin, Binghamton, New York
"When pancreatic cancer shattered the lives of Dr. Larry Miller, 42, and Cindy Stanton, 36, friends and strangers enveloped the families in love."
Press release
>> Epeius Biotechnologies Corporation Receives $400,000 Grant to Support Gene Therapy Trials for Pancreatic Cancer
June 16, 2006
Faith + Values forum: Dying, she focuses on life
Star Tribune, Minneapolis, Minnesota
The sub head:
How can anyone focus on their own death when the Earth and the people on it are suffering so?
Nancy Berneking's powerful essay begins: "The year 2006 will be etched on my tombstone. I am dying. Pancreatic cancer has found a cozy spot to reside in my body, and it is gleefully growing now that the chemicals that were holding it at bay have been stopped."
The newspaper describes her this way: "a lover of words and life who chooses laughter instead of tears."
You call it chemo; he calls it a formality - A story about Billy Robertson
The Fayette County Review, Somerville, Tennessee
A year ago Billy Robertson was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer and told to get his affairs in order. A year later, though: "From the beginning, Billy told the doctors, 'God gave you the knowledge to give the treatment, and he gives me the ability to go through with it.'They told him he would not return to work, but he did. They told him he would die, but he hasn’t. They sure never thought he’d be dancing again, but the couple went to Camp Flying Colors and danced the night away."
Tough guy faces the fight of his life
Lahontan Valley News, Fallon, Nevada
"The toughest guy I ever met is a guy by the name of Steve Cavallero." The former boxer now faces stage 4 pancreatic cancer. "A fighter to the core, Cavallero is now getting chemotherapy treatment, convinced he will beat the disease."
June 15, 2006
Vaccine could help patients with pancreatic cancer
WNDU-TV, South Bend, Indiana
Short story on Ron Windle, treated with surgery, chemo and radiation who then participated in a trial of a pancreatic cancer vaccine from Johns Hopkins. He's doing well three years later.
Daniel Laheru, M.D., of Johns Hopkins University, says of the vaccine, "Essentially, it teaches the immune system to recognize those pancreas cancer cells as being foreign and attack them specifically."
UMass researchers find potential cancer marker
Telegram & Gazette, Worcester, Massachusetts
Preliminary study identifies IMP3 protein present in kidney cancer tumors as a potential biomarker to predict which cancers will spread through the body, potentially giving doctors and patients an important tool as they plan treatment. Protein is also found in pancreatic and lung cancers.
June 13, 2006
Press releases
>>
Patients with history of cancer at increased risk for acquiring and dying from sepsis
>>
Pancreatic Cancer Surgery Can Help Those Over 80
June 11, 2006
Waupun cancer survivor to serve as Relay for Life honorary chairperson
Fond du Lac Reporter, Fond du Lac, Wisconsin
Bob Peachey was diagnosed in April 2005 and had Whipple surgery.
In last year's Relay for Life, friends and family took turns pushing a recovering Peachey around the track in a wheelchair. This year, as the honorary chairperson of the event, Peachey plans to navigate the track on his own."People need to know that cancer isn't a death sentence," Peachey said of his bout with pancreatic cancer. "If the fact that I've recovered can serve as an inspiration to others, then that's what I hope to accomplish."
Mother battles cancer
The Courier, Waterloo, Iowa
Maggie Moser, 49, was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in June 2005. She's been undergoing chemotherapy since as her tumor is inoperable. "My loving family and friends get me through the bad days," she says.
June 10, 2006
Tests: Coach free of cancer —
Regina's Brown beating the odds
Iowa City Press-Citizen, Iowa City, Iowa
Regina boys track and cross country coach Bob Brown is proving to be a medical miracle.
Doctors informed Brown that tests following surgery to remove a cancerous tumor on his pancreas came back negative.
June 9, 2006
Folksinger returns for a fundraiser
Concord Monitor, Concord, New Hampshire
Tom Rush moved away from his longtime home in Deering more than a decade ago, he affirms that he left at least a piece of his soul behind in the close-knit town.
When 36-year-old Shane Beard, the son of Rush's closest friends in Deering, became ill and too quickly succumbed to pancreatic cancer, Rush wanted to find a way to help. So he returned for a benefit concert to raise money for the Shane Beard Trust.
June 5, 2006
Coleman continues courageous fight for life
The Beacon Journal, Akron, Ohio
Update on the pancreatic cancer fight of Casey Coleman, Cleveland radio broadcaster. He's hit a tough spot: doctor's visit revealed four new tumors in his liver. "I'd been having a different type of pain," he said. "So I wasn't real surprised to hear about the new tumors. They are going to try some experimental procedures, but who knows?"
He paused.
"I already consider myself a survivor," he said. "Most people who get what I did last no more than six months. That was nine months ago. So they tell me six months now — hey, why not nine months or a year? Who's to say?"
June 2, 2006
Reader shares story of 'Life With Cancer'
The Daily Tribune, Hibbing, Minnesota
Touching essay by Tiana Rusczak, a seventh grader, recalling how her life changed while her father fought pancreatic cancer. Christopher Rusczak died in November 2005 at age 38.
June 1, 2006
Tribute in paint planned for West End activist
CBC News, Canada
Harry Lehotsky, a pastor and activist who spearheaded many projects in Winnipeg's West End, will be honoured in a mural planned for the neighborhood. Lehotsky was diagnosed with inoperable pancreatic cancer last month, and may not have long to live.
Press release
>>
West End true grit,
Winnipeg Sun
Press release
>> Good works, good people will carry on, column by Harry Lehotsky, Winnipeg Sun, June 11
Press releases
>> Therion Biologics Announces Conclusion of PANVAC-VF Phase 3 Trial
>> Lack of Studies Being Presented on Pancreatic Cancer at American Society of Clinical Oncology Meeting Spotlights Need for More Research Into This Deadly Disease
May 31, 2006
Riding with a purpose: Family member's struggle with pancreatic cancer helps inspire Kiser
Houston Chronicle, Houston, Texas
Since his mother-in-law died of pancreatic cancer, David Kiser cycled for a cause. In November 2004, he rode for a seven days and 700 miles through seven Texas cities to raise awareness and funds.
Kiser will embark on another challenge this summer by participating on a four-person team in what many consider the definitive cycling test in the states — the Race Across America.
May 27, 2006
Vaccines usher in new season of hope
Star-Telegram, Fort Worth, Texas
Cancer researchers are on a search-and-destroy mission to fight the deadliest and most difficult-to-treat cancers. And the latest weapon in their arsenal: vaccines. If chemotherapy keeps his cancer on hold long enough, Paul Needham would like to try a vaccine to get rid of his pancreatic cancer — once and for all.
Needham, 84, volunteered for a cancer trial at Mary Crowley Medical Research Center hoping to get the experimental vaccine, which is awaiting FDA approval.
Living for baseball: Nyack coach Siegriest won't let cancer keep him down
The Journal News, White Plains, New York
Dave Siegriest, fighting pancreatic cancer at 45, will never know how strong he would be all alone. His wife, Margaret, has made sure of that. So have his sons, Sean and Brendan. So have his assistants. So have his players, determined to hold up another sectional championship trophy with their coach. So has a Nanuet community that's offered practical help and inspirational messages. "You get back what you give, and he's given so much," Margaret said. "That's why we've gotten back so much, because of who he is and what he's given."
May 26, 2006
His efforts will live on
The Winnipeg Sun, Winnipeg, Manitoba
As Rev. Harry Lehotsky battles terminal pancreatic cancer, a new award ensures the community hero's legacy will be remembered. Lehotsky has battled the influence of gangs, violence and drugs in Winnipeg's West End for more than 23 years.
Press release
>> A Son Works on Pancreatic Cancer Awareness, starts www.143mimi.com
May 24, 2006
Valedictorian carries on, despite her loss
Kansas City Star, Kansas City, Kansas
Lindsey Latteman, high school valedictorian, offered encouragement and advice to her classmates just a day after her father died. Six weeks ago she learned that her father had pancreatic cancer in its advanced stages. In her valedictorian speech, she tells her class: "At heart, I am an optimist who tries to see the bright side of everything and everyone." She's going to be a pre-med student.
May 23, 2006
Press release
>>
Mayo Clinic Study Finds Majority of Patients With Pancreatic Cancer Could be Treated Surgically if Diagnosed Just Six Months Earlier
May 21, 2006
Press release
>>
Pancreatic Cancer Research Finds an Unexpected Ally in Upscale Online Boutique,
Pitney Manor
May 20, 2006
Friends gather to help local bluesman
The Southern Illinoisan, Carbondale, Illinois
Friends of blues vocalist Martin "Big Larry" Albritton hold a benefit to help him out. He is recuperating from surgery for pancreatic cancer. Though he is on Social Security, he has no other health insurance.
May 18, 2006
State Track Meet is Especially Meaningful to Coach with Cancer
WHO-TV, Des Moines, Iowa
Iowa City Regina High School's track coach is enjoying his 17th trip to the state meet and is looking ahead to his 18th. Bob Brown was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in April 2005. Radiation and chemotherapy have shrunk the tumor, so doctors will try to remove it in a few weeks.
His students say their coach's battle has been inspiring. "Probably one of neatest things my wife said...lots of people don't get to find out how many people care about them, and that's one thing I've been able to find out," Brown said.
May 16, 2006
Inner-city activist battles cancer
CBC, Canada
Winnipeg minister Harry Lehotsky, 48, who has spent years fighting drugs, crime and disrepair in the city's West End, has pancreatic cancer, which has spread to his liver, spleen and other organs. He says his doctors have told him his cancer is inoperable and have given him six weeks to nine months to live. "Oh, man, you think, 'Why me?' and then the next thing you think is, 'Why not me? What makes me different from anybody else?' " he told CBC News. "If God chooses to do a miracle, that'd be awesome and I'd be very pleased and thankful. If not, what I've been living for my whole life is just the ability to meet Him one day and for Him to say, 'Well done, good and faithful servant.' "
Richard's Place in their hearts
The Ocala Star-Banner, Ocala, Florida
Community supports beloved restaurant owner Richard Lee, 68, in his fight against pancreatic cancer. Back in March, after he was diagnosed, customers joined forces to pay for a trip to North Carolina, because he had never seen snow.
May 11, 2006
A reflection of the Thimes
St. Louis Post-Dispatch, St. Louis, Missouri
Mother's day jazz concert raises money for the Mildred Thimes Foundation for Pancreatic Cancer. This 10th annual event is put on by singer Denise Thimes in honor of her mom in St. Louis.
May 10, 2006
LPGA players use golf to raise awareness and funds for causes
The Virginian-Pilot, Norfolk, Virginia
Story includes Beth Bader, who lost her mother, Sue, to pancreatic cancer. Beth and her sister Amy began raising money for pancreatic cancer research right after Sue’s diagnosis. "Mom knew what we were doing; she was even helping us make bracelets to sell," Bader said. "It was special." They started the Susan L. Bader Foundation of Hope to support a program at the University of Iowa. The Baders and their sponsors have turned over about $70,000 in each of the last two years.
Like No Other Mother
Mid County Chronicle, Nederland, Texas
Brenda Howell named Mom of Year by chamber of commerce. She's an eight-year survivor of pancreatic cancer, now fighting other cancers and was nominated by her daughter and sister.
May 5, 2006
Cancer survivors deal with fears of recurrence
The Advocate, Baton Rouge, Louisiana
Story interviews a number of long-term cancer survivors. Five years and three months after he was declared in remission from pancreatic cancer, John Wrenn saw his cancer return. "I was considered cured," he said, though he admitted to having doubts. "I always figured that once you got cancer you had a 'friend for life' and that one form or another would appear again."
April 26, 2006
Genentech's Avastin To Spark Upside Potential
Forbes
Story says Jason Kantor, a stock analyst, believes Genentech will "report positive late-stage clinical data for Avastin in kidney and pancreatic cancer by the end of the year."
Press release
>> SuperGen Announces Interim Results of Orathecin Combination Trial in Pancreatic Cancer, does not meet pre-set benchmark
April 22, 2006
Lawyer pledges $1M to USA
Press-Register, Mobile, Alabama
Vince Kilborn and his wife, Marcia, have pledged $1 million to the University of South Alabama, an endowment that will help USA hire cancer researchers. "It's never felt so good to lighten myself by a million dollars," Kilborn said. The endowment will be named for his late father, Vincent Kilborn Jr., who died from pancreatic cancer in 1971, four months after being diagnosed.
Power of friendship brightens darkest days
The Gleaner, Henderson, Kentucky
First person column from the "Chicken Soup" feature about a woman's fight with pancreatic cancer and the importance of friendship.
April 18, 2006
Team focus: Digestive tract tumors
Telegram & Gazette, Worceter, Massachusetts
The UMass Memorial Cancer Center will open a new program this week that specializes in the treatment of digestive tract tumors. UMass surgeon Jennifer F. Tseng will be named the first scholar of the
Pancreatic Cancer Alliance, a grass-roots organization of the local pancreas cancer community.
April 17, 2006
Ammonoosuc Amble Draws Crowd
The Caledonian-Record, St. Johnsbury, Vermont
Annual fund-raising race/walk for Ammonoosuc Community Health Services is dedicated to agency's director of development, Lynne Friedman, 41, who is battling pancreatic cancer. Her parents learn she has died during the race, which her husband finishes in her honor.
April 16, 2006
Daughter tips cap to ill father with return to softball
Tribune, Mesa, Arizona
Kaitlin Braga figured she wouldn’t play softball her senior year in high school. She also assumed her father, Dave, would be healthy. She was wrong on both counts. But he's beating the odds with pancreatic cancer, and she's playing to honor him.
Fight for their lives
Daily News, New York, New York
Story on problems of those who responded to 9/11 and believe toxins at the site have contributed to illnesses. Retired detective Robert Williamson, 45, is convinced the five months he spent searching for survivors and then bodies inside The Pit is the reason he's now fighting for his life against pancreatic cancer.
April 14, 2006
Event
>>
Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Walk, April 30 in Hopkinton, Massachusetts
www.runhopkinton.org
April 13, 2006
Artist finds more life in flowers
The Post and Courier, Charleston, South Carolina
Diane Hall, a painter of botanicals, is suffering from pancreatic cancer, which spread to her liver and lymph nodes before she was diagnosed. However, Hall has beaten the odds, and her doctors call her the "gladiator." An ability to transport herself into her art has helped her cope with her disease, and also helps bring her mind to a place of contentment. "I believe that painting is almost a form of meditation, and that has helped tremendously," she says.
April 12, 2006
Event
>>
Hoops for a Cure April 28 in Pennsylvania to raise money for Nathan S. Arenson Fund for pancreatic cancer research
www.hoopsforacure.com
April 5, 2006
Wedding bash becomes casino
Rocky Mountain News, Denver, Colorado
Column about how Karin Byrne, who lost her mother to pancreatic cancer and wasn't ready to go forward so soon with her wedding, helped PanCan set up a fund-raiser to make use of the hall she had rented. Event — The Stakes are High, a live auction and casino — is Friday, April 28, in Boulder, Colorado.
April 4, 2006
Red hot chili peppers may help fight cancer, study finds
Scripps Howard News Service
Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh did the chili-pepper study, working with mice to show that capsaicin, the active "hot" ingredient in the pepper, causes pancreatic cancer cells to die through the body's normal process for clearing defective cells. Tumors treated with capsaicin were half the size of tumors found in mice that were treated with saline solution by the end of the study.
Young woman struggles with deadly cancer diagnosis
WOOD TV, Grand Rapids, Michigan
"It's hard. They tell me I only have six months to a year, and that doesn't really work for me," said Heather Ingram, 20, diagnosed with pancreatic cancer last week.
Press releases
>> Capsaicin shows promise in inhibiting growth of pancreatic cancer, ingredient in red chili pepper
>> ArQule Reports Encouraging Phase 1 Monotherapy Data among Patients Treated with ARQ 501
April 3, 2006
Press releases
>>
New Research Method Demonstrates Promise for Pancreatic Cancer Research and Drug Development, involves Xenogen IVIS imaging system
>>
CancerVax Announces FDA Approval of IND for Novel Anti-Angiogenic Antibody D93
March 30, 2006
Event
>>
Pansies for progress, April 8 & 9, Wayland, Massachusetts
March 27, 2006
WIBC's Curt Miller tells of his cancer, coming death
Indianapolis Star, Indianapolis, Indiana
Radio reporter Curt Miller, 52, has brought his battle with Stage IV pancreatic cancer to the listeners of WIBC-AM (1070).
"There's a mystery about this whole issue of living with a terminal illness and death that doesn't get discussed much in the media," Miller said. "I'm hoping to generate a public discussion of cancer, a public discussion of death and dying."
March 21, 2006
Man takes on Knoxville marathon as he battles pancreatic cancer
WBIR, Knoxville, Tennessee
Charles Hagy has never been a runner, but this year he is taking on the Knoxville marathon as part of a relay team. Seven months ago he was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer.
March 19, 2006
Researcher's message of hope
Chicago Tribune, Chicago, Illinois
Profile of University of Chicago professor includes discussion with widow of pancreatic cancer patient about her husband's experience with the physician and an experimental regimen including EMD 121974.
March 16, 2006
Belichick, Coleman ties remain tight
Cleveland Plain Dealer, Cleveland, Ohio
Cleveland Browns broadcaster is fighting pancreatic cancer with the support of his longtime friend, New England Patriots coach Bill Belichick. This story is one in a series following Casey Coleman through his fight.
March 15, 2006
Press release
>> GenVec Expands TNFerade Phase II Pancreatic Cancer Study into Phase II/III Trial; Company Secures $30 Million Equity Facility to Help Fund Clinical Program
March 10, 2006
Son learns lessons of life
The Cape Codder, Massachusetts
Dave Lofstrom is committed to the American Cancer Society's Relay for Life in memory of his mother, who died in 2005 from pancreatic cancer. Story is about the Relay, but more so on lessons learned from his mother's illness.
March 7, 2006
Woman Who Treated Cancer With Breast Milk Dies
WBAL TV, Baltimore, Maryland
A Baltimore woman who was drinking human breast milk to help treat her cancer has died. She had outlived her initial prognosis by many months.
March 6, 2006
Getting warmer in bid to kill tumors
The Boston Globe, Boston, Massachusetts
Column on the use of hyperthermia — using microwaves to raise the temperature of a tumor to 104 to 106 degrees Fahrenheit — and how it may increase the effectiveness of chemotherapy and radiation. Story mentions Dr. Joan M.C. Bull, director of thermal therapy research at the University of Texas Medical School at Houston, who is testing whole-body hyperthermia for some kind of cancers, including pancreatic cancer that has spread to other parts of the body. "Bull places patients, head and all, inside a radiant heat machine that brings body temperature to that of a high fever, about 104 degrees Fahrenheit." Results aren't reported in the story.
>> Thermal therapy offers hope for cancer patients, TV report with video from KHOU in Houston on hyperthermia procedure
Event
>> Tribute to tragic teacher Pupils have raised more than £1100 for a Pancreatic Cancer UK
March 4, 2006
School family builds pavilion to show love for teacher
The Jackson Sun, Jackson, Mississippi
A pavilion has been built in honor of teacher Johayna Barker Mullen. Why: "She made learning fun." She's been absent from her third-grade teaching duties since October after being diagnosed with pancreatic cancer.
Feb. 27, 2006
Scientists hunt early signs of cancer to improve care
The Baltimore Sun, Baltimore, Maryland
'Biomarkers' offer hope of better detection and treatment. What if a simple blood test could alert doctors to pancreatic cancer early enough to treat it? Such a test does not exist, but University of Nebraska researcher Michael Hollingsworth thinks he has a solid lead. He has found that the disease increases levels of proteins called mucins.
>> Also posted at Researchers work to find early warning tests for cancer
Feb. 26, 2006
Longtime referee has earned his stripes
Albany Times Union, Albany, New York
Wilson "Harpie" Shea nears the end of his seven-decade career as a basketball official. He's 86 years old and suffers from pancreatic cancer, but to heck with those who say he's slowed down. "I can run," he says with a look of disgust. A terrific story.
Learning persists at end of life
The Sunday Oregonian, Portland, Oregon
Update on the case of Dr. Miles J. Edwards, who spent half a century as a doctor and teacher at Oregon Health & Science University, is still learning how to be a patient. At 76, he is dying of pancreatic cancer that has spread to his lungs.
Feb. 21, 2006
China vice premier has cancer: sources
The Boston Globe, Boston, Massachusetts
Chinese Vice-Premier Huang Ju, ranked sixth in the Communist Party hierarchy, has been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. Huang was diagnosed during a routine medical check-up before the Lunar New Year holidays and has been in hospital since.
Feb. 20, 2006
Cancer That Won't Quit
TheStreet.com
Roundup — from the investors perspective — of drugs in development to fight pancreatic cancer and the opportunity to make money from them.
Feb. 17, 2006
Eli Lilly sues to block generic Gemzar production
Indianapolis Star, Indianapolis, Indiana
Eli Lilly and Co. has sued Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd., the world's biggest generic-drug company, seeking to block it from selling a generic version of the cancer drug Gemzar (gemcitabine).
Gemzar accounted for $1.33 billion in global sales last year for Lilly.
Feb. 16, 2006
Team Hope is raising money to fight cancer
Albany Times Union, Albany, New York
Brief update on the Team Hope New York of the Capital District, an affiliate of the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network, the largest of 84 groups nationwide with 60-plus members.
Feb. 14, 2006
A Cancer Drug Shows Promise, at a Price That Many Can't Pay
The New York Times, New York, New York
Story about the prospects for Avastin in fighting several cancers. But for one pancreatic cancer patient, his $1,000 a month insurance co-pay is too much. Genentech, the maker of the drug, is charging up to $100,000 a year.
Press release
>> Targeting pancreatic cancer, paper on how broad-spectrum cysteine cathepsin inhibitors combat pancreatic cancer
Feb. 12, 2006
Firefighter attacks cancer with resolve
Valley News Dispatch, Pennsylvania
Bill Cani, 62, brings the strength, resolve and bravery required of a firefighter to attack problems in his personal life, as well. Like his five years battling pancreatic cancer.
Ideas for soothing SLO garden honor passions of cancer victim
San Luis Obispo Tribune, San Luis Obispo, California
Nurses and Cal Poly students come together to provide a healing site in memory of San Luis Obispo fire Capt. Greg Otto who died of pancreatic cancer at 45.
Feb. 10, 2006
The Daily Progress, Charlottesville, Virginia
The University of Virginia Cancer Center has received a $5 million grant from the Smithfield-Luter Foundation.
The money serves both as a means to gaining a better understanding of cancer and how it can be treated and to commemorate the life of Palmer Weber, who died of pancreatic cancer in 1986.
UW gets $200K grant to study cancer
Puget Sound Business Journal, Seattle, Washington
The Canary Foundation has given the University of Washington School of Medicine a $200,000 grant to look for "biomarkers for early detection of pancreatic cancer."
Press release
>> Therion Completes Phase III Enrollment for PANVAC-VF Pancreatic Cancer Trial
Feb. 6, 2006
Councilman Max Ford rallying from cancer surgery
Chronicle-Independent, Camden, South Carolina
Interesting chronicle of Max Ford and his journey from symptoms, through diagnosis and surgery. And a happy, story, too: "I essentially had terminal symptoms right at the beginning, and they were able to catch it and deal with it," he said. "That's why I'm so fortunate. Right now, at least, I appear to be clear of any form of cancer."
Out of the spice box, into the lab
Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles, California
Turmeric, an Indian staple, has long had medicinal uses. Now the West is taking notice. One 2004 study with mice showed that adding curcumin to Taxol, or paclitaxel, a commonly prescribed chemotherapy for breast cancer, enhances the drug's effect, making the therapy less toxic and just as powerful. Such studies have triggered a human clinical trial of the ability of curcumin tablets to help patients with pancreatic cancer. Fifty patients will receive eight grams of curcumin daily, and researchers will evaluate their six-month survival rate.
Feb. 5, 2006
Two close friends organize a heartfelt cancer benefit
Miami Herald, Miami, Florida
Two 12-year-olds who lost grandparents to cancer, one to pancreatic cancer, organize a fundraiser.
Feb. 2, 2006
The Night Owl: Power of compassion comes alive at benefit concert
Chico Enterprise Record, Chico, California
Story on how a community came together to help pancreatic cancer patient Reid Seibold, 39, a designer.
Feb. 1, 2006
Press release
>> Lorus announces the presentation of Virulizin Phase III clinical trial results in pancreatic cancer including new data from an exploratory analysis, claim significant survival
benefit for a subgroup of patients who continued to receive Virulizin in optional study phase
Jan. 29, 2006
Brewer will receive humanities award
The Salt Lake Tribune, Salt Lake City Utah
Utah Poet Laureate Ken Brewer, who has terminal pancreatic cancer, will receive the 2006 Distinguished Humanities Award at the Utah Humanities Council's annual Human Ties Celebration.
Brewer noted in an interview with The Tribune in November that his writing is more in demand than ever. "If I had known that dying would be such a good career move," he jokes to his friends, "I would have tried it years ago."
A chaotic, shortened life, set free by art
The Boston Globe, Boston, Massachusetts
"It's every artist's dream to have at least one show before she dies.
"Jane Grieve got her dream — almost. She selected 10 paintings for an exhibition at the South End Branch Library, saw them framed, and gave the show its name: 'Out of the Cold.' She died two days before its Jan. 3 opening."
Jan. 27, 2006
A Master With a Mission, Despite Her Personal Trials
The New York Times, New York, New York
The legendary mezzo-soprano Marilyn Horne hasn't let pancreatic cancer slow her down, as this profile of her preparations for a recital show. Incredible.
Story reports that in December she was "blindsided" by the news:
" 'I heard the words "pancreatic cancer" and thought the worst, as most people do,' she said. 'But I'm taking a drug that was approved just this November. It's the latest treatment, and I have a very hopeful situation. There has been no spread whatsoever, and we are hoping for a full recovery.' Still, as she knows, she will have to complete a grueling regimen of chemotherapy.
"About her illness she remains positive.
" 'I'll be home in New York for all my treatments,' she said. 'I have lots of friends, lots of love, a wonderful daughter and people who are there for me.' "
Jan. 24, 2006
Pancreatic cancer a 'silent' disease
The Press Democrat, Santa Rosa, California
Good summary of the challenges of fighting pancreatic cancer. Quotes Dr. Margaret Tempero, of the University of California, San Francisco, about problems posed by typical late diagnosis. With new therapies being tested in clinical trials, "we're improving survival by about threefold. That's great," the UCSF chief medical oncologist said. "But ... we're just extending life from three months to eight to nine months. And you aren't curing more people because you're not diagnosing the disease at a potentially curable stage."
Former Press Democrat Mike Parman is sharing the experiences and inspirations of his own battle with pancreatic cancer in a weblog. Mike Parman's blog
People in the News
The Gloucester County Times, New Jersey
Sally Gottschling, one of Gloucester County's youngest 90-year-olds, was "flabbergasted" by the outpouring of love for her at the Memorial Presbyterian Church of Wenonah, where she has been a member for 65 years. She's had 35 radiation treatments since her diagnosis in April. I've outlived the odds," she says. "And I'm still functioning."
"Mom attributes her longevity to good, clean living, a strong faith, and a good sense of humor," says her daughter, Diane Bradley.
Jan. 19, 2006
Treating the pain by ending a life
The Boston Globe, Boston, Massachusetts
Dr. Mark Siegel, in praising the U.S. Supreme court ruling that doctors in Oregon should not be charged with a crime for overdosing patients in the name of treating pain and hastening death, recalls the course of treatment of one of his patients with pancreatic cancer.
Jan. 18, 2006
Marilyn Horne Diagnosed With Cancer
PlayBill, New York, New York
Legendary mezzo-soprano Marilyn Horne has been diagnosed with localized pancreatic cancer, her manager confirmed.
A statement released by CAMI said that "localized pancreatic cancer...allowing for recent significant breakthroughs in treatment, offers an excellent prognosis for a full recovery. Marilyn Horne is known throughout the world for not only her magnificent voice, but also for her tremendous energy and human spirit, which will, along with the love of her family and friends, see her through this challenge.”
Jan. 16, 2006
Father, son lose battles with pancreatic cancer days apart
Milwuakee Journal Sentinel, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
From the story
"The Kadwit family knows pancreatic cancer all too well.
"Marshall Kadwit was the first to be diagnosed with the disease - in his case a rare form - in 2002. A year later, his son, Howard J. Kadwit, was diagnosed with a more common and aggressive form of the disease."
Jan. 14, 2006
More deaths may be linked to Ground Zero cleanup
Daily News, New York, New York
Widow of Bob Shore, a correction officer who worked at the makeshift morgue at Ground Zero for at least two weeks, said her husband's doctor said his pancreatic cancer was related to his ground zero work.
City attorneys urge caution, saying a medical link is still to be established.
Nearly 400 firefighters and paramedics have left the job because of career-ending illnesses that followed their work at Ground Zero.
"This was a toxic waste site," says David Worby, the attorney for some 5,200 Ground Zero workers. "People should have been walking around in moon suits. ... These guys are the tip of the iceberg."
Jan. 11, 2006
Press release
>> Newly Published Data Shows Potential of Peregrine's Tarvacin to Treat Primary and Metastatic Pancreatic Cancer in mice
Jan. 10, 2006
Council elects 3rd leader in 3 years
Indianapolis Star, Indianapolis, Indiana
Indianapolis city Council President Steve Talley stesp aside in large part to care for his wife, who has fought pancreatic cancer for 6 years.
Genentech's 4th-Qtr Profit Climbs 64% on Cancer Drugs
Bloomberg, New York
Among Genentech's products is Tarceva, which won FDA approval during the quarter to market the drug as a treatment for pancreatic cancer. Genentech sells the medicine with partners OSI Pharmaceuticals Inc. and Roche.
Press release
>> GlobeImmune Secures Additional $4.1 Million and Closes Series B Financing With a Total of $38.4 Million Raised, plans to use money to fund Phase 2 pancreatic cancer trial of Tarmogen drug GI-4000
Jan. 9, 2006
Press release
>> Morphotek Announces IND Submission for MORAb-009, a Monoclonal Antibody for the Treatment of Mesothelin-Expressing Cancers
Jan. 5, 2006
Press release
>> AVEO Pharmaceuticals Acquires Rights to Novel Anti-Cancer Compound From Mitsubishi Pharma Corporation, one target of multiple kinase inhibitor, MP-412, is pancreatic cancer
Jan. 3, 2006
Press release
>> Morphotek Expands Oncology Pipeline With Product Candidate From the National Cancer Institute, one of the antibodies "MORAb-009" is
being developed by Morphotek for the treatment of pancreatic and other cancers
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