Established to further study the frequency of pancreatic cancer in families with a history of the disease
The Jefferson Pancreas Tumor Registry (JPTR), to which patients and family members can provide data on familial and environmental aspects of pancreatic cancer on a voluntary basis, was established to further study the frequency of pancreatic cancer in families with a history of the disease and to identify environmental and occupational risk factors to which patients may have been exposed. Jefferson physicians are also using the results of genetic testing obtained through the Registry to determine the most effective targeted therapies.
In 2010, the JPTR received an important grant from the American Cancer Society. The valuable information collected by JPTR aids our researchers in their search for common denominators in some types of pancreatic cancer.
We are committed to building on the knowledge base for pancreaticobiliary diseases. As leading investigators of the molecular genetics and environmental and lifestyle links, we are working to improve early detection of pancreatic cancer with more effective screening procedures and leading-edge research into the molecular genetics of these tumors. We are also deeply engaged in research to identify subtypes of the cancers and to create individualized therapies, including targeted chemotherapy, vaccine therapy and nanoparticle therapy.