The pace of pancreatic cancer growth may be slower than the medical community has assumed. A recent collaborative study by cancer researchers at the Johns Hopkins University and Sanger Institute  examined tissue from pancreatic cancer patients and found that cells in the pancreas took at least ten years to mutate enough to produce cancer cells and seven more years to develop enough to become capable of spreading to other organs.

According to the National Cancer Institute, in 2010 there will be more than 36,000 deaths from pancreatic cancer and more than 43,000 new cases in the United States. Compared with other cancers, the length of survival after pancreatic cancer diagnosis is unfavorable, with only 6% of patients surviving for five years or more after diagnosis.

Based on the new understanding of the progression of this disease, it is plausible that screening could increase chances of survival for pancreatic cancer patients. With early detection, precancerous cells could be removed before tumors have time to develop. For more information about this promising study, click here.

Click here to read CFCF Executive Director Lauren Erb's latest blog discussing the implications of these findings and the revolutionary potential of CFCF's genomic research efforts.

A phase III clinical trial has recently been launched to determine the safety and effectiveness of 177Lu-DOTATATE therapy for somatostatin receptor expressing cancers including carcinoid cancer, pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors, and pheochromocytoma. The study will measure outcomes based on progression free survival and dose limiting toxicity.

The study is currently recruiting patients to receive 177Lu-DOTATATE treatment. It is being conducted by Excel Diagnostics and Nuclear Oncology Center in Houston, Texas.

To learn more about this phase III trial, or to see if you qualify, please click here.

To learn more about clinical trials, including the risks and benefits, please visit the About Clinical Trials section of CFCF's website. Patients should discuss potential clinical trials with their oncologist or primary care physician.

In honor of Worldwide NET Cancer Awareness Day on November 10, the Caring for Carcinoid Foundation issued a press release announcing the launch of new online patient resources. CFCF's new website resources include: a  video gallery, comprehensive carcinoid and neuroendocrine tumor information, conference material archive, and a section for newly diagnosed patients.

On February 12th and 13th Team CFCF athletes will meet nationwide to cycle for a cure. Cycle for Survival is an indoor team relay ride fundraiser that raises money in support of research on rare cancers at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center (MSKCC). This year, Team CFCF riders will support MSKCC's participation in the CFCF Neuroendocrine Tumor Biobank.

Official events will be held at Equinox Fitness Clubs in New York City and Chicago, with satellite events nationwide. One rider exclaimed, "The event is indescribable. You see hundreds of people riding -- the music is pulsing, people are cheering and yelling, and at that moment you feel like we can make anything happen. It's just a feeling of hope and progress."

In New York City, Team CFCF will be led by CFCF Director and carcinoid survivor, Dave McCoy. Click here to view Dave's video on his experience with cancer, the Long, Winding Road.

Recruit your own team of 2 to 8 members and cycle to a cure at your local gym. To learn more or sign-up to cycle with Dave, please visit CFCF's website.