Pancreatic Cancer

Guideline: FDA recommends testing to prevent serious side effects from 5-FU and capecitabine chemotherapy

A small number of people treated with the chemotherapy drugs 5-FU (5-fluorouracil) or capecitabine (Xeloda) can have serious or even life-threatening side effects because their body breaks down the drug more slowly than is typical. A genetic test called DPYD testing can help identify people at higher risk for serious side effects before treatment starts. (posted 2/11/26)

Topic: What patients need to know about liquid biopsies in cancer care

Liquid biopsies are tests that look for signs of cancer in blood or other body fluids. These signs can include cancer cells that have broken away from a tumor, pieces of cancer cell DNA and proteins or other biomarkers found in cancer cells. Liquid biopsies can be used to screen for cancer before a cancer diagnosis or guide treatment after a diagnosis. (posted 2/6/26)

Study: Understanding the risks of a second cancer after a breast cancer diagnosis in people with BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutations

After breast cancer, people who have a BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutation face a greater risk of a second cancer compared to individuals without a BRCA mutation. This study helps to better understand this risk so that breast cancer survivors with mutations can receive informed, personalized plans for surveillance and follow-up care. (Posted 12/11/25)

Study: Early trial of new vaccine shows promise for treating KRAS-mutated pancreatic and colon cancers

A vaccine for treating pancreatic and colon cancers with a biomarker known as a KRAS mutation produced a strong immune response in people at high risk of recurrence in an early clinical trial. This promising vaccine is now being studied in a larger clinical trial. (Posted 12/9/25)

Study: Bacteria and fungi in the mouth may help identify those at risk for pancreatic cancer

Pancreatic cancer often grows quickly and is usually discovered at a later stage. A better understanding of risk factors, like changes in bacteria found in the mouth, could provide doctors with early warning signs needed to help them diagnose and treat cancer sooner. The results of this study suggest that changes in bacteria and fungi in your mouth may help identify people who are at higher risk of pancreatic cancer. (Posted 11/24/25)

Study: Cancer patients with certain inherited mutations have cancer outcomes similar to those without inherited mutations

People with an inherited mutation in certain genes, including ATM, CHEK2, PALB2, BRCA or Lynch syndrome genes, have an increased risk of cancer. In this study, researchers wanted to know whether cancer patients with inherited mutations had a different chance of survival than patients without an inherited mutation in these genes. These results showed that, although the risk of cancer is increased, there is no difference in survival after a diagnosis of breast, pancreatic or colorectal cancer with or without these genetic changes. (posted 11/20/25)

Study: FDA approves new targeted therapy for advanced pancreatic cancer

A new treatment called Bizengri has been approved by the FDA for patients with advanced or metastatic pancreatic cancer. This treatment targets pancreatic cancer or non-small cell lung cancers that have a rare tumor mutation called an NRG1 fusion. (Posted 7/24/25)

Study: Hereditary pancreatic cancer among people of Hispanic ancestry in Mexico

This study looks at people of Mexican ancestry who have pancreatic cancer to identify mutations linked to hereditary cancer. Knowledge of a hereditary cancer mutation can inform patients and their family members about the need for additional surveillance or different treatment options. Access to genetic testing in Mexico is more limited than in the United States. This study emphasizes the importance of genetic testing for inherited cancer risk in pancreatic cancer patients in Mexico. (posted 6/25/25)

Study: Impact of mental healthcare among those with increased pancreatic cancer risk

Pancreatic cancer is often aggressive and diagnosed at a late stage, which can lead to uncertainty and fear. For those at risk due to a genetic mutation or family history, access to surveillance and mental health support is essential to help manage the emotional impact.  (Posted 5/12/25)

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Guideline: Hereditary cancer gene guidelines expand

The National Comprehensive Cancer Network regularly updates guidelines for several types of hereditary cancer. These recommendations often change when new research is published. Recently, the NCCN expanded its guidelines to include information on hereditary prostate and gastric cancers. (Posted 1/6/25)

Este artículo está disponible en español.