Sandler-Kenner Foundation Supports Mayo Clinic's Study on Early Detection of Pancreatic Cancer

Online, July 15, 2013 (Newswire.com) - The Sandler-Kenner Foundation today announced a multiyear gift supporting a study to advance the early detection of pancreatic cancer, the fourth-leading cause of cancer death in the United States.

The Sandler-Kenner Foundation selected the study, led by Suresh Chari, M.D., a Mayo Clinic gastroenterologist, because of its potential to define a strategy for early detection of pancreatic cancer in subjects with new-onset of diabetes over age 50, a high-risk patient population.

"We are proud to support Mayo Clinic as they work toward a future when doctors can identify pancreatic cancer early enough to extend and save lives," said Sandler-Kenner Foundation Founder, President and Board Chairman Gregory A. Echt, M.D., F.A.C.R.O.

The study, titled the Examination of the Pancreas in New Diabetes (EXPAND) Trial, utilizes 15 years of research of the relationship between diabetes and pancreatic cancer through data from the Rochester Epidemiological Project (REP) and research on thousands of patients seen at Mayo Clinic with pancreatic cancer.

"This study has the potential to provide medical practitioners with a practical approach to diagnose pancreatic cancer at an early stage and improve life expectancy," said Dr. Chari, a member of the Sandler-Kenner Foundation's Scientific Advisory Board.

Vay Liang W. Go, M.D., Professor of Medicine, Division of Digestive Diseases, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Director, UCLA Center for Excellence in Pancreatic Diseases, and Editor-in-Chief of the journal, Pancreas, said the study is important and novel in its approach.

"This is the first screening program for sporadic (non-familial) pancreatic cancer that is being conducted anywhere in the United States and internationally," said Dr. Go, who is also a member of the Sandler-Kenner Foundation's Scientific Advisory Board.

The prognosis of pancreatic cancer has not improved in the last 50 years, with the average survival after diagnosis being three to six months. Symptoms of pancreatic cancer typically occur only at an advanced stage, leaving patients with limited treatment options.

The Sandler-Kenner Foundation's primary focus is to improve survivability of pancreatic cancer patients by developing early identification tools that are highly sensitive, cost effective and easily implemented by medical practitioners. The Foundation is also committed to raising awareness of adenocarcinoma and neuroendocrine pancreatic cancers.

About Sandler-Kenner Foundation

The Sandler-Kenner Foundation, established in 2007 as the Las Colinas Cancer Center Foundation, was renamed in early 2011 in the memory of Michael Sandler and Peter Kenner, both of whom passed away from pancreatic cancer. The Sandler-Kenner Foundation is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization. All donations made to Sandler-Kenner Foundation are tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law. Learn more at www.HelpFightPancreaticCancer.org.

The Sandler-Kenner Foundation's medical and scientific funding decisions are guided in part by its Scientific Advisory Board members Dr. Suresh Chari of Mayo Clinic, Dr. Gregory A. Echt, F.A.C.R.O., Founder of Choice Cancer Care, and physician Las Colinas Cancer Center, PET/CT Center of Las Colinas, North Texas Cancer Center at Wise County and Prostate Seed Institute, Dr. Vay Liang W. Go Professor of Medicine, Division of Digestive Diseases, at David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA and Director, UCLA Center for Excellence in Pancreatic Diseases, Dr. David Klimstra of Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, and Dr. Richard Warner of Mount Sinai Medical School of Medicine.

About Mayo Clinic

Mayo Clinic is a nonprofit worldwide leader in medical care, research and education for people from all walks of life. For more information, visit www.MayoClinic.com or www.MayoClinic.org/new.