Summer is in full swing, and we have research updates to share plus great ways to get involved in making a difference for the pancreatic cancer community. Our events continue to unite a community passionate about a cancer-free future and ensure that we can continue to fund research that drives us towards that goal. As our 25th year concludes, we remain steadfast in offering hope with the motto, “Never Give Up! Finding a cure is worth fighting for.”
UCLA Activity Summary Report
A true highlight from our UCLA program is that the UCLA Agi Hirshberg Center for Pancreatic Diseases is moving to a beautiful new space where patients and their loved ones can receive holistic, state-of-the-art care in one central location. This new space enhances a key pillar of our mission and we can’t wait to share it with you! Our newest program at UCLA is the Nutrition for Safer Surgeries developed by Shelby Yaceczko, a highly skilled dietician. The program provides patients with medical nutrition services to enhance quality of life during cancer treatment. The Robotic Surgery program is also of special interest. Led by Dr. Mark Girgis, a past Seed Grant recipient, the Robotic Surgery program continues to gain momentum. The minimally invasive technique improves long-term recovery prospects and expands the patient population eligible for surgery. Together, these programs are improving patient outcomes and quality of life.
New NCCN Guidelines for Pancreatic Cancer
The National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) brings together top cancer centers across the United States to improve cancer care through their vast collection of Guidelines for Patients. The latest version of the Guidelines for Patients: Pancreatic Cancer, sponsored by the Hirshberg Foundation, provides information to help patients and their families navigate a pancreatic cancer diagnosis in an empowered and informed way. The Hirshberg Foundation is proud to support this great work to ensure that all patients and caregivers receive the most up-to-date information to assist them through their cancer journey.
UCLA Joins the Pancreatic Cancer Early Detection (PRECEDE) Consortium
Dr. Timothy Donahue has joined the Pancreatic Cancer Early Detection (PRECEDE) Consortium as a Principal Investigator, allowing UCLA patients with a family history of pancreatic cancer or individuals who carry pathogenic genes to be able to enroll for longitudinal follow up. This Consortium brings together an international, multi-institutional collaborative group of experts with the aim to increase the 5-year survival rate from 10% to 50% in the next 10 years. The Agi Hirshberg Center for Pancreatic Diseases and UCLA’s involvement in this study will help maximize identification and advance early detection of pancreatic cancer. We are hopeful that this collaborative project will lead to great strides in early detection so that we may see a marked increase in survival rates.
The 26th LA Cancer Challenge 5K is October 22, 2023
Our signature event, the LA Cancer Challenge 5K Walk/Run is on October 22nd and registration is now open. The LACC brings our mission pillar to “unite generations, young and old, through physical fitness to raise awareness for pancreatic cancer” to life. Each year we gather at UCLA and in communities across the globe to make a difference for those facing pancreatic cancer. Join us in-person at UCLA or virtually from wherever you are, and know that your participation helps us take strides towards a cure.
