The National Association for Pancreatic Cancer Pres

ents

This Year…

• 3% of the population, over 43,000 people, will be diagnosed with pancreatic cancer.

• Over 37,000 people will die from the disease.

What is Cancer?

Alison and Sarraf, Understanding Cancer, Cambridge University Press, 1997

Cancer Trends

Cancer Survival

P53 is a Regulator of ApoptosisExternal pathway – induced by exposure to chemical signals released by other cells – are “death signals”

From L. J. Kleinsmith, Principles of Cancer Biology. Copyright (c) 2006 Pearson Benjamin Cummings.

Death signals activate

death receptors

Internal pathway – induced by excessive DNA damage

Leaches frommitochondria &

activates caspase cascade

Prevalence of p53 Mutations

From L. J. Kleinsmith, Principles of Cancer Biology. Copyright (c) 2006 Pearson Benjamin Cummings.

p53 is the most commonly mutated gene in human cancers

The Chemotherapy Industry

• In 2003, worldwide market for products was ~$36.8 billion US

• Currently, oncology-related products represent ~10% of total $430 billion worldwide market for pharmaceuticals (Pharmaceutical Therapeutic Categories Outlook: Comprehensive Study 375, S.G. Cowan & Co., NY, 2004)

• Market expansion driven by:Increased therapeutic optionsWillingness to treat older patientsHigh price of newer drugs

• At present, more than 1,300 small U.S. biotech companies focused on molecular target drug development, >50% cancer focused

Is Timing Everything?

Figure 16.9 The Biology of Cancer (© Garland Science 2007)

PanINs = pancreatic intraepithelial neoplasias arediscrete stages in tumor progression

What Can You Do?

Be part of

Fundraise · Volunteer · Participate

What is Carnival for a Cure?

• A day of fun for college students, their families and people in the community• Fundraising event for pancreatic cancer treatments and research

Games

Activities

Entertainment

Why Host Carnival for a Cure?

• Participating towards a great cause• Great public relations event• Gives students something to participate in• Gets people on campus