Discovery Science Programs

Pancreatic disease today:
    •    Pancreatic cancer is the 3rd leading cause of cancer-related death in the U.S. and is projected to be the 2nd leading cause by 2030.
    •    Pancreatic cancer has the highest mortality rate of all major cancers.
    •    Acute and chronic pancreatitis are severely painful conditions with a heavy human and economic toll. These conditions may often give rise to diabetes and increase the risk for pancreatic cancer.
    •    Cachexia (decrease in skeletal muscle) is present in up to 80% of patients with pancreatic cancer and is associated with reduced survival, more progressive disease, and higher rates of metastatic disease.
Source: American Cancer Society

For these reasons, the Brenden-Colson Center for Pancreatic Care (BCCPC) focuses research efforts on addressing earlier detection of pancreatic cancer and pancreatic diseases, developing advanced surgical and medical therapies for benign and malignant pancreatic diseases, and improving patient resiliency in the wake of pancreatic diseases undermining patient wellbeing and quality of life.

Learn more about the BCCPC’s Discovery Science Clinical Programs by clicking the links below:
Early Detection/ Benign Disease
Cancer Drivers and Intrinsic Vulnerabilities
Tumor Microenvironment
Patient Resiliency and Cachexia Biology
Population Science

For more information about pancreatic cancer statistics, view a short video from the NIH Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results Program data (select Pancreatic Cancer from the "Choose a video" pull-down menu).