The “Living with Pancreatic Cancer: Patient And Caregiver Experiences Study (PACES),” conducted by Annette Stanton, PhD investigates the physical and psychological factors that contribute to overall wellness. PACES continues Dr. Stanton’s esteemed career of working to improve the holistic health of patients & caregivers over the course of their cancer journey.

When diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, patients and their loved ones often do not know what to expect. It is important for patients, their family members and their medical teams to understand the ways in which this disease will affect them physically, psychologically, and socially. Understanding the far-reaching impact of this disease allows for the development of useful strategies for coping through treatment and beyond. This study is focused on promoting quality of life and health for those living with pancreatic cancer and their loved ones.

PACES is made possible by Seed Grant funding and the Hirshberg Foundation’s commitment to researching all aspects of pancreatic cancer in order to improve the lives of those impacted by this disease. Dr. Stanton addressed the importance of managing the emotional journey, for both pancreatic cancer patients and their caregivers at the 2018 Symposium. 

The UCLA Center for Human Nutrition is looking for volunteers for a medically-supervised study funded in part by the Hirshberg Foundation. This study seeks to investigate the effect of oral nutritional supplements in patients with pancreatic cancer.

As we know, many patients with pancreatic cancer experience weight loss and weakness. These side affects often impair overall quality of life and can complicate treatment. This study aims to examine the effect of dietary counseling with and without nutrition supplementation in patients with unresectable pancreatic cancer. Entitled,  “Nutritional study to improve outcomes in patients with pancreatic cancer that cannot be treated by surgery,” volunteers are asked to participate in 6 clinical visits over the course of at least 16 weeks.

You May Be Eligible If You:

• Have been diagnosed with unresectable pancreatic cancer (meaning you are not a surgical candidate)
• Have lost weight in the past 6 months
• Are over 18 years of age
• Are a non-smoker

The study includes 6 clinic visits scheduled 4 weeks apart.

At each clinic visit:

• Blood samples taken
• You will meet with a registered dietitian
• You will be weighed and have your vital signs measured
• You will be asked to complete a food record
• You will be asked to complete a 6-minute walk without assistance

This study is being conducted by:  Zhaoping Li, MD, PhD; Seper Dezfoli, MD; Vijiya Surampudi, MD; Lee Rosen, MD

This study has concluded and is no longer seeking volunteers.