Research We Have Funded
Since 2020, Emerald Coast Pancreatic Cancer Initiative has invested over $130,000 in scientific research to 3 major areas of study.
1. Circulating tumor cells (CTCs) are cancer cells that break away from a tumor and enter the bloodstream. Once in the blood, these cells can travel to other parts of the body and potentially form new tumors, a process known as metastasis.
For pancreatic cancer, CTC research is important because scientists hope these cells can be used to:
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Detect cancer earlier
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Monitor how well treatment is working
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Identify cancer recurrence sooner
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Better understand how pancreatic cancer spreads
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Develop more personalized treatment plans
2. ECPCI is proud to support innovative research exploring implantable microdevice technology for pancreatic cancer. This groundbreaking approach may allow physicians to rapidly determine which treatments are most effective for an individual patient's tumor, helping advance the future of personalized cancer care. This study is currently in clinical trials.
3. A retrospective cohort study analyzes existing patient data to identify patterns, outcomes, and potential improvements in care. By examining the experiences of patients who have already undergone treatment, researchers can gain valuable insights that help guide future pancreatic cancer care and research.