Pancreatic Cancer Action Network invests in precision medicine and early detection to change outcomes for the world’s toughest cancer

MANHATTAN BEACH, Calif. – (June 27, 2017) The Pancreatic Cancer Action Network (PanCAN) is driving research progress by targeting precision medicine and early detection methods for the world’s toughest cancer. The organization, in collaboration with its generous donors, has invested $4.9 million in vital pancreatic cancer research through its competitive peer-reviewed 2017 Research Grants Program – awarding 17 grants to 21 researchers at 12 institutions across the country.

This year marks the 15th anniversary of PanCAN’s Research Grants Program and the first year the organization’s grants portfolio includes seven grants primarily focused on two key topics in the field: precision medicine and early detection.

“For the first time in the history of our organization, we requested applications focused on high-impact early detection and precision medicine projects leading to new screening and treatment options,” said Julie Fleshman, JD, MBA, president and CEO of the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network. “Additionally, we are continuing to invest in early-career researchers to build the community of those focused on this disease, as well as funding leading-edge translational research that bridges laboratory findings and clinical impact.”

Among the 12 institutions represented in this year’s portfolio are three that have not received grant funding from PanCAN before: University of Cincinnati, University of Minnesota and Oregon Health & Science University. This is an encouraging sign that the pancreatic cancer research community is continuing to grow.

PanCAN’s current grants portfolio is thoughtful and comprehensive, including approaches to unlocking the biology of pancreatic cancer, improving treatments and outcomes for patients and accelerating early detection methods.

“It is a proud day for our entire community,” added Fleshman. “And we are especially grateful for our generous supporters, who have helped make this research funding possible.”

Five of this year’s grants are named in honor of generous supporters or a loved one, including:

  • 2017 Pancreatic Cancer Action Network Precision Medicine Targeted Grant
  • The Gail V. Coleman-Kenneth M. Bruntel – Pancreatic Cancer Action Network Translational Research Grant
  • The Tap Cancer Out – Pancreatic Cancer Action Network Translational Research Grant
  • The Skip Viragh – Pancreatic Cancer Action Network – American Association for Cancer Research – Career Development Award
  • The Richard Cianfaglione – Pancreatic Cancer Action Network – NCI, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research KRAS Fellowship

PanCAN’s cumulative research investment is projected to be over $48.5 million, including its Research Grants Program and internal research initiatives. Since 2003, the organization has awarded a total of 159 grants to 158 scientists at 58 institutions throughout the country.

To view the full list of the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network’s 2017 grant recipients, click here.

To learn more about the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network’s urgent goal to double survival by 2020, visit pancan.org and follow us on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.