In last month’s newsletter, we discussed how advances in cancer research have improved survival rates by detecting cancer earlier, when treatments are most effective. However, pancreatic cancer remains a challenging exception to this progress. While it is not as common as lung, breast, or colorectal cancers, its incidence is increasing. Pancreatic cancer has one of the lowest survival rates among all cancers, unlike prostate, breast, and melanoma, which often have higher survival rates, especially when caught early.
This month, we are highlighting the research of Dr. Edna (Eti) Cukierman, a leading researcher at Fox Chase Cancer Center who was one of the three grantees awarded at our November 2023 Celebration Gala. Her specialty and focus is pancreatic cancer, one of the most difficult cancers to treat. Specifically, she studies specialized cells within the tumor’s environment that influence how pancreatic tumors grow and respond to treatment. Supported by the 5th District AHEPA Family Cancer Research Foundation, her team is researching drugs that could potentially intercept pancreatic cancer development by targeting these cells. Early detection, such as catching pancreatic cancer at stage 1A (the very earliest stage of cancer development), could double survival rates from 40% to 80%.
Pancreatic cancer detection and interception early in its progression are critical because most patients are currently diagnosed at later stages when the cancer is more advanced and has begun to metastasis throughout the body, limiting treatment options. While recent data from the American Cancer Society shows a slight improvement in overall pancreatic cancer five-year survival, from 12% to 13%, there remains an urgent need for new and effective treatments. Understanding the unique biology of pancreatic cancer, which involves a dense network of fibrous tissue that supports tumor growth and impedes immune responses, is crucial for developing prevention and treatment strategies.
Dr. Cukierman has gratefully acknowledged the support of AHEPA CRF: “Of note, a significant part of my research team’s success is due to the ongoing support from organizations like the Fifth District AHEPA. Since 2018, your grant funding has enabled my team to uphold crucial and potentially lifesaving pancreatic cancer research. This year, the Fifth District AHEPA Cancer Research Foundation was acknowledged in seven of my team’s manuscripts (published or pending peer review) and six invited speaker presentations.”
The 5th District AHEPA Family Cancer Research Foundation has a long and proud history of supporting researchers like Dr. Edna (Eti) Cukierman and her team. It is with your support that we make steady progress to cure this disease. As our grandparents would say, “Φασόλι φασολάκι, γεμίζει το σακούλι” (“Bean by bean, the bag fills.”).
We will periodically be updating you on the work of our grantees until we meet again on November 9th, our next Celebration!