September 9, 2009

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

THE PANCREATIC CANCER ACTION NETWORK AND THE AMERICAN ASSOCIATION FOR
CANCER RESEARCH NOW ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS FOR 2010 RESEARCH GRANTS

Nearly $2.3 Million will be Awarded to Advance Pancreatic Cancer Research

EL SEGUNDO, CA – (September 9, 2009) – The Pancreatic Cancer Action Network, in partnership with the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR), is now accepting applications for the 2010 Research Grants Program. This year’s grants program will be administered through the AACR’s rigorous peer-review system to ensure the highest quality science is supported. The grant terms will begin on July 1, 2010.

Nine grants through four grant mechanisms will be awarded in 2010, with a total funding level of nearly $2.3 million. This represents the largest annual dollar amount disbursed since the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network introduced the program in 2003, and reflects nearly a 90% increase in funding since last year. The goals of the grants program are to emphasize the urgent need to expedite scientific and medical breakthroughs that benefit patients, build a cadre of researchers dedicated to the field of pancreatic cancer research and encourage collaborations, information-sharing and innovation.

“Our research portfolio continues to grow strategically to meet the scientific needs and emerging developments in the pancreatic cancer community,” stated Julie Fleshman, president and CEO. “Not only do we provide financial support for research, we offer a mentorship program to connect grantees with leading scientists in the field of pancreatic cancer research, and provide ongoing educational and informational resources, opportunities to strengthen professional involvements, and linkages with pancreatic cancer survivors and caregivers.”

“Although we have made enormous advances in cancer research and treatment over the last three decades, we have not yet stemmed the tide of pancreatic cancer,” said Margaret Foti, Ph.D., M.D. (h.c.), chief executive officer of the American Association for Cancer Research. “That is why these grants are so critical. The work of the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network has had an enormous impact on this field not only by funding high-quality research, but also by drawing attention to the importance of addressing this insidious disease that is on the rise in cancer incidence. The AACR is very proud of its scientific partnership with Pancreatic Cancer Action Network because our work together is advancing research that holds promise for successes in the clinic and for saving lives from pancreatic cancer.”

pancreatic cancer research community supporting highly promising early career scientists beginning in their postdoctoral positions and continuing through their transition to independence. Applicants must be in the first five years of their postdoctoral or clinical research fellowships. One Pathway to Leadership Grant will be awarded in 2010 providing up to five years of support, totaling $600,000.

The Fellowship Award supports early career scientists during their mentored research phase. Applicants must be in the first three years of their postdoctoral or clinical research fellowships. The Fellowship Award is a one year grant totaling $45,000 and one will be awarded in 2010.

The Career Development Award is a two year grant totaling $200,000 to support newly independent investigators develop or strengthen their research program in pancreatic cancer. In 2010, three Career Development Awards will be provided. Applicants must be in the first four years of a faculty appointment.

The Innovative Grant (formerly Pilot Grant) supports the development of new and innovative ideas and approaches, including those successful in other areas of cancer that have promise for pancreatic cancer. The two-year grant totaling $200,000 will be awarded to four Independent junior or senior investigators.

Applications for the Pathway to Leadership Grant, Fellowship Award and Career Development Award are due by October 28, 2009, Noon ET. A Letter of Intent for the Innovative Grant is due by October 5, 2009, Noon ET. Submissions must be completed online using the proposalCentral website at https://proposalcentral.altum.com.

Since the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network’s Grants Program was introduced in 2003, the organization has awarded 47 grants totaling nearly $5 million to scientists across the country. To learn more about the 2010 Grants Program, visit /Research/grants2010.html or www.aacr.org/home/scientists/research-funding--fellowships.aspx.

About the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network
The Pancreatic Cancer Action Network is the only national organization creating hope in a comprehensive way through research, patient support, community outreach and advocacy for a cure. The organization raises money for direct private funding of research—and advocates for more aggressive federal research funding of medical breakthroughs in prevention, diagnosis and treatment of pancreatic cancer.

The Pancreatic Cancer Action Network fills the void of information and options by giving patients and caregivers reliable, personalized information they need to make informed decisions. We create a sense of hope and community so no one has to face pancreatic cancer alone. The organization helps support individuals and communities all across the country work together to raise awareness and funds to find a cure for pancreatic cancer.

About the American Association for Cancer Research
The mission of the American Association for Cancer Research is to prevent and cure cancer. Founded in 1907, AACR is the world’s oldest and largest professional organization dedicated to advancing cancer research. The membership includes more than 28,000 basic, translational and clinical researchers; health care professionals; and cancer survivors and advocates in the United States and nearly 90 other countries. The AACR marshals the full spectrum of expertise from the cancer community to accelerate progress in the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of cancer through high-quality scientific and educational programs. It funds innovative, meritorious research grants. The AACR Annual Meeting attracts more than 17,000 participants who share the latest discoveries and developments in the field. Special conferences throughout the year present novel data across a wide variety of topics in cancer research, treatment and patient care. The AACR publishes six major peer-reviewed journals: Cancer Research; Clinical Cancer Research; Molecular Cancer Therapeutics; Molecular Cancer Research; Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention; and Cancer Prevention Research. The AACR also publishes CR, a magazine for cancer survivors and their families, patient advocates, physicians and scientists. CR provides a forum for sharing essential, evidence-based information and perspectives on progress in cancer research, survivorship and advocacy.

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MEDIA INQUIRIES ONLY CONTACT:
Jennifer Rosen
Senior Manager, Public Relations
Pancreatic Cancer Action Network
Direct: 310-706-3362
Email:jrosen@pancan.org

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