A Snapshot of Pancreatic Cancer

Incidence and Mortality

In the United States, pancreatic cancer is the fourth leading cause of cancer-related death in both men and women. Because it usually is diagnosed at an advanced stage, the survival rate is low compared with those for other cancer types. Overall, the pancreatic cancer incidence rate has increased since 2000, and the mortality rate also has increased slightly since 2001.

African Americans have higher pancreatic cancer incidence and mortality rates than whites or other racial/ethnic groups. Pancreatic cancer incidence and mortality rates also are higher in men than in women.

Cigarette smoking is the most important risk factor for pancreatic cancer, accounting for approximately 20 percent of cases. Additional risk factors include longstanding diabetes, inflammation of the pancreas, and certain hereditary conditions. Standard treatments for pancreatic cancer include surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, chemoradiation, and targeted therapy.

It is estimated that approximately $2.3 billion¹ is spent in the United States each year on pancreatic cancer treatment.

Trends in NCI Funding for Pancreatic Cancer Research

The National Cancer Institute's (NCI) investment² in pancreatic cancer research increased from $73.3 million in fiscal year (FY) 2007 to $99.5 million in FY 2011. In addition, NCI supported $14.3 million in pancreatic cancer research in FY 2009 and 2010 using funding from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA).³

Examples of NCI Activities Relevant to Pancreatic Cancer

• The Early Detection Research Network (EDRN) is identifying and testing new biomarkers to enhance cancer detection and risk assessment. One EDRN-supported project is studying stem cell biomarkers for early detection of pancreatic cancer.
• The Pancreatic Cancer Epidemiology Consortia include three research consortia that bring together scientists with various expertise to improve understanding of the causes and natural history (or progression) of pancreatic cancer.
• NCI supports Pilot Studies in Pancreatic Cancer, a funding effort that supports research projects focused on the biology, etiology, detection, prevention, and treatment of the disease.
• The Tumor Microenvironment Network (TMEN) is exploring the role of the microenvironment—the cells and blood vessels that feed a tumor—in tumor initiation and progression. Network investigators are studying the interaction between pancreatic tumors and their microenvironment during pancreatic cancer development.
• NCI's Cancer Genomics Research Laboratory (CGR) was established to study how inherited genetic variations contribute to cancer susceptibility and outcomes, including in pancreatic cancer.
• Three pancreatic-cancer-specific Specialized Programs of Research Excellence (SPOREs) are conducting research to facilitate early detection and treatment of pancreatic cancer.

Selected Advances in Pancreatic Cancer Research

• A whole-exome sequencing study of an uncommon form of pancreatic cancer has identified gene alterations that may help in prognosis and selection of appropriate targeted therapies. Reported January 2011.
• Results of a prospective cohort study confirmed that people with genetic mutations that cause Lynch syndrome have an increased risk of a number of cancers, including pancreatic cancer, but showed that risk was not increased in their relatives who do not carry these mutations. Published February 2012. [PubMed Abstract]
• Researchers determined that loss of a group of genes in a specific chromosomal region in some patients with pancreatic cancer is associated with poor prognosis. Reported March 2012.
• Scientists used an enzyme to break down the physical barrier that makes pancreatic tumors resistant to therapy and demonstrated that combining the enzyme with a standard chemotherapy drug improved survival in a mouse model of pancreatic cancer. Published March 2012. [PubMed Abstract]
• See this PubMed list of selected free full-text journal articles on NCI-supported research relevant to pancreatic cancer. You can also search PubMed for additional scientific articles.