Research & the Power to Cure Cancer
Cancer is among the leading causes of death worldwide. For 2019, the American Cancer Society predicts there will be over 1.7 million new cases of cancer in the U.S. alone. New research has led to prevention, treatment and renewed hopes for patients living with cancer; but what does it take to research cancer, discover and implement new therapies? New findings are being published on a regular basis, but clinicians and patients alike struggle to keep up with all the information. How can patients be their own advocates to get the best treatments possible and understand the latest research breakthroughs for various cancers? Join us as we discuss these and other questions surrounding five different cancers with researchers from the Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute, as well as local clinicians, and patient advocates. The events will take place from 4 to 5:30 p.m. on select Sundays from August through December in the Community Forum at the Fleet Science Center.
Pancreatic Cancer: How to Starve a Tumor—New Insights Into Tumor Metabolism Pancreatic cancer is deadly. Less than 10 percent of people with this cancer remain alive five years later. New studies have linked military service to an increased risk of pancreatic cancer, perhaps due to exposure to herbicides and other toxic chemicals. Desperate for nutrients, rapidly growing pancreatic tumors resort to scavenging “fuel” through an alternative supply route, called macropinocytosis. Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Institute scientists are hopeful that blocking this process, often described as “cellular drinking”, could lead to tumor-starving drugs. Featuring: Dr. Cosimo Commisso, researcher at the Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute Dr. Darren Sigal, clinician at Scripps Health Patient Advocat Russell Gold, Advocacy Chair for the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network, San Diego Affiliate.