About the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network (PanCAN) The Pancreatic Cancer Action Network (PanCAN) is a non-profit organization that aims to improve the lives of everyone impacted by pancreatic cancer by advancing scientific research, building community, sharing knowledge, and advocating for patients. The influence of PanCAN can be seen in various aspects, such as:
- Research: PanCAN has invested more than $208 million into research since 2003 and has funded more than 300 grants to over 200 researchers at 90 institutions worldwide1. PanCAN also supports innovative initiatives such as Precision Promise, a platform that aims to accelerate the development of new treatments for pancreatic cancer, and Know Your Tumor, a service that provides personalized information and recommendations for patients based on their tumor biology.
- Patient Services: PanCAN provides free, comprehensive, and personalized information and resources to patients, caregivers, and healthcare professionals through its Patient Services program. This includes providing guidance on treatment options, clinical trials, diet and nutrition, support groups, and more. PanCAN has helped more than 270,000 people since its inception.
- Advocacy: PanCAN works with thousands of grassroots advocates to urge Congress to increase federal research funding for pancreatic cancer and to improve access and affordability of care for patients. PanCAN has boosted the National Cancer Institute funding for pancreatic cancer by 970% since starting its efforts in 1999.
- Community: PanCAN engages and mobilizes a nationwide movement of volunteers, donors, survivors, and supporters who are committed to fighting pancreatic cancer.
PanCAN’s vision is to create a world in which all patients with pancreatic cancer will thrive. Its mission is to take bold action to improve the lives of everyone impacted by pancreatic cancer by advancing scientific research, building community, sharing knowledge, and advocating for patients.
Precision Promise Program
The Pancreatic Cancer Action Network (PanCAN) Precision Promise clinical trial is a groundbreaking initiative that aims to accelerate the development of new and better treatments for pancreatic cancer patients. It is the first adaptive clinical trial platform sponsored by a nonprofit organization for pancreatic cancer.
An adaptive clinical trial is a type of trial that can modify its design and procedures based on the data and outcomes of the enrolled patients. This allows the trial to test multiple treatments at the same time, drop ineffective treatments quickly, and add new treatments as they become available. This way, the trial can learn faster, require fewer patients, and reduce the time and cost of drug development.
The Precision Promise clinical trial program is currently enrolling patients with metastatic pancreatic cancer who have either received no treatment or only one prior treatment. The trial offers patients access to cutting-edge therapies, such as immunotherapy, targeted therapy, and supportive care interventions, in combination with standard chemotherapy. The trial also collects extensive data from each patient, such as tumor molecular profile, biomarkers, and quality of life measures, to better understand the disease and personalize the treatment.
The Precision Promise clinical trial is a collaborative effort between PanCAN, leading academic institutions, pharmaceutical companies, diagnostic developers, and regulatory agencies. The trial is open at 12 sites across the United States, with more sites opening soon. The trial aims to enroll 1,000 patients over four years and hopes to bring new and effective treatments to pancreatic cancer patients faster than ever before.
The potential benefits of the program are: