The Pancreatic Cancer Action Network (PanCAN) supports guideline recommendations set by the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) for all patients to undergo genetic testing for inherited mutations at diagnosis and for patients to undergo biomarker testing of their tumor tissue unless clinically contraindicated. Genetic testing for inherited mutations can also inform family members of risk independent of family history.
PanCAN offers precision medicine information and resources, including our Know Your Tumor precision medicine service, for you and your patients.
Treatment options are personalized to your patient and may include:
- Targeted therapy, which avoids the toxicity of multi-agent chemotherapy
- Appropriate clinical trials, including molecularly targeted solid tumor trials
- Off-label treatments that may be particularly effective for your patient’s specific tumor mutations
- Standard of care treatments
Information provided in the reports can help provide a better understanding of the disease and treatment options.
To get started, refer your patient to reach out to PanCAN Patient Services to enroll. Then, a Tempus representative will reach out to you to discuss the service and provide a tissue collection kit. You will also receive specific instructions for obtaining and shipping tumor tissue, as well as optional blood or saliva sample for genetic testing (tumor/normal matched analysis.) Once Tempus receives your patient’s tumor tissue, please allow 14 days for the complete report of personalized treatment options to be emailed.
Tempus tests through the xT gene panel. The report will include information on both somatic and germline mutations, tumor burden (TMB) and microsatellite instability (MSI). The report includes treatment options, providing valuable insight to support your treatment decisions.
Hundreds of physicians from across the country have received Know Your Tumor reports for their patients. About 26% of patients’ tumors have been found to have at least one actionable alteration.
- Patient has diagnosis of pancreatic malignancy
- Tumor tissue is obtainable (see Tempus Specimen Guidelines)
- Patient is receiving treatment for a pancreatic cancer diagnosis in the United States and is not imprisoned
- Patient or close caregiver is able to read and speak English or Spanish
Medical procedures – including biopsies – will be billed to the patient’s insurance. The patient will be responsible for any co-pay, co-insurance or insurance deductible associated with a procedure to obtain tumor tissue.
1. Have your patient contact PanCAN Patient Services at 877-2-PANCAN to enroll in Know Your Tumor.
2. Once your patient has enrolled, Tempus will reach out to you to provide instructions needed to commence with testing.
M – F, 7 a.m. – 5 p.m. PT, call (877) 272-6226 or email hcp@pancan.org