PANCREATIC CANCER ACTION NETWORK ANNOUNCES NEW PRECISION MEDICINE, EARLY DETECTION TARGETED GRANTS AMONG ITS 2017 RESEARCH FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES

MANHATTAN BEACH, Calif. – (Sept. 1, 2016) – In a proactive effort to create better outcomes for pancreatic cancer patients, the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network announces its 2017 research funding opportunities, including its first-ever precision medicine and early detection targeted grants.

Pancreatic cancer surpassed breast cancer this year to become the third leading cause of cancer-related death and is expected to become the second leading cause of cancer-related death in the United States around 2020. It’s the deadliest major cancer with a five-year survival rate of just 8 percent.

“The pancreatic cancer research community has made tremendous strides in the past 15 years since we began funding research,  but more must be done to accelerate progress for patients,” said Julie Fleshman, JD, MBA, president and CEO of the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network. “These funding opportunities will continue to ignite the pancreatic cancer research community and create better outcomes for patients.”

This year, the organization is investing a record-high $12.8 million in innovative research, a 33 percent increase over last year. This total includes both its competitive, peer-reviewed Research Grants Program and internal research initiatives.

The Pancreatic Cancer Action Network’s Research Grants Program will offer seven funding opportunities in 2017, attracting researchers at all stages of their career and supporting projects across the trajectory of basic science, translational research and clinical studies.

For the first time, included in the organization’s portfolio will be targeted grants with razor-sharp focus on two key topics in the field: precision medicine and early detection.

Precision medicine allows physicians and patients to make treatment decisions based on the characteristics of a specific individual, mainly by analyzing their tumor’s biological makeup. In addition, the hope is for doctors to someday have an early detection method or a standard diagnostic tool for the disease.

“Offering targeted grants is an exciting step in the evolution of the Research Grants Program,” said Steven Leach, MD, chair of the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network Scientific and Medical Advisory Board.  “The comprehensive portfolio of funding opportunities allows the program to support leading-edge projects focused on two of the hottest topics in the field, as well as to continue to fund research spanning the trajectory from the laboratory bench to the clinic.”

Equally important, the benefits of the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network’s Research Grants Program go beyond funding.  Researchers cultivate mentorship relationships with leading scientists, as well as gain opportunities for training and collaboration and connect directly with the patient community.

From 2003 to 2016, the organization has invested more than $35.4 million in research grants, representing 142 grants to 55 institutions around the U.S.  These funding opportunities coupled with continuous advocacy efforts to increase federal funding for cancer research will help the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network reach its goal to double survival by 2020.

Researchers are strongly encouraged to visit www.pancan.org/grants2017  to learn more and apply.

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About the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network
The Pancreatic Cancer Action Network is the national organization creating hope in a comprehensive way through research, patient support, community outreach and advocacy for a cure. The organization is leading the way to increase survival for people diagnosed with this devastating disease through a bold initiative — The Vision of Progress: Double Pancreatic Cancer Survival by 2020. To continue to accelerate progress, a goal to raise $200 million by 2020 is also in place. Together, we can Wage Hope and rewrite the future of pancreatic cancer.

MEDIA INQUIRIES ONLY CONTACT:
Zahra Nealy
Public Relations Specialist
Pancreatic Cancer Action Network
Direct: 310-706-3532
Email: znealy@pancan.org

ALL OTHER INQUIRIES, PLEASE CALL THE PANCREATIC CANCER ACTION NETWORK AT 877- 272-6226 OR EMAIL INFO@PANCAN.ORG.