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We want to make sure every person diagnosed with pancreatic cancer feels empowered to explore clinical trials. These research studies investigate new treatments or new combinations of treatments to determine if they are safe and beneficial. They are a critical treatment option for patients diagnosed with this disease.
The PanCAN Patient Services team is here for patients and their loved ones as they navigate clinical trials. Our Case Managers offer personal, one-to-one support at every step of the search and enrollment process. Call or email us and you’ll stay connected to your Case Manager as questions and challenges arise. This person can help you gather the information you need, ask the right questions, connect with clinical trial sites and more.
It’s all part of our commitment to the Right Track, the three key steps to get to the best possible outcome for every person with pancreatic cancer: the right team, the right tests and the right treatment.
Here are three ways a Case Manager can help you get on the Right Track.
1. Unlock Clinical Trials: Biomarker and Genetic Testing
PanCAN recommends that all patients with pancreatic cancer get genetic testing for inherited mutations as soon as possible after diagnosis, along with biomarker testing of their tumor tissue to help determine the best treatment options. This is important because biomarker and genetic testing can open up opportunities to participate in precision medicine clinical trials.
Precision medicine is an emerging field in cancer treatment. Rather than basing treatment decisions on the cancer type, precision medicine can provide information about a patient’s particular tumor to help guide treatment decisions. By analyzing a sample of tumor tissue, biomarker testing can identify specific genetic mutations or biomarkers (measurable substances that can be found in blood or tissue), which oncologists can use to determine if there are therapies to target that patient’s tumor.
One exciting area of focus right now: Clinical trials targeting KRAS, the most commonly mutated gene in pancreatic cancer. More than 90% of pancreas tumors are thought to have a KRAS mutation. You can learn whether you have a KRAS mutation through biomarker testing. Biomarker testing will also tell you the specific KRAS mutation your tumor has.
PanCAN Patient Services can explain the different types of testing. We can talk to you about where and how to get testing. We can also help you understand results and provide information on treatment options, including clinical trials.
2. Find Options Right for You: Personalized Clinical Trial Search
Our Case Managers provide more resources and speak with more patients with pancreatic cancer and their caregivers than any other organization in the world. This means our team has a lot of experience navigating the often-complicated clinical trial process. We can take some of the burden off your shoulders and make a complex process easier to manage.
A Case Manager can run a personalized clinical trial search, which takes into account your treatment history, location and openness to travel, results of biomarker and genetic testing and more. As trials open and close, we update our database, so we can share the newest info with you. And as your needs change, a Case Manager can update your search to continue to find the best options.
Bottom line: Contact PanCAN Patient Services to connect with a real person quickly, who will guide you through the search process and remain your dedicated point of contact for ongoing questions and support throughout the entire journey.
3. Enroll in a Trial: Outreach to Trial Sites
Once you’ve found a trial that meets your needs, it’s time to get in touch with the site. Different trials have different ways to get in touch with the study team, although as a first step you’ll often be connected to a research nurse or study coordinator. Your PanCAN Patient Services Case Manager can help at any point! You have a partner as you reach out to sites – we can troubleshoot or offer any other support.
Also, every clinical trial has its own requirements to join. The ability to enroll depends on things like general health, ability to handle the treatment, lab results and more. Your healthcare team is typically your first point of contact for understanding whether you meet criteria. Your Case Manager can help you communicate with your healthcare team and with the trial site.
We can also help answer questions about financial and logistical support. PanCAN Patient Services has information on air travel and ground transportation resources. Sometimes the trial sponsor offers travel reimbursement, lodging opportunities or financial assistance, but that can vary from trial to trial. Looking up all of these resources can be time-consuming, but our Case Managers are ready to help you research ways to minimize the burden.
PanCAN Patient Services is here to help every step of the way! No matter what you need, from preparing and searching for clinical trials to enrolling in one, our team can get you on the Right Track.
