Alex Trebek, the beloved long-time host of “Jeopardy,” passed away on November 8, 2020, at the age of 80 after a battle with stage 4 pancreatic cancer. He had hosted the popular quiz show for 35 years. His death brought pancreatic cancer, a deadly and often difficult-to-detect disease, into the public eye.
What is Pancreatic Cancer?
Pancreatic cancer is currently the third leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the United States. The pancreas, a six-inch gland located in the abdomen, produces digestive enzymes and hormones like insulin, which regulates blood sugar. Unfortunately, there’s no screening test for this type of cancer.
Why is Pancreatic Cancer So Deadly?
Many symptoms, such as back pain, abdominal pain, fatigue, and weight loss, are common to other ailments, making early diagnosis challenging. Sometimes, “painless jaundice” can be a warning sign, but often diagnosis occurs in later stages, according to Dr. Timothy Donahue, a professor of surgery at UCLA.
Dr. Timothy Donahue, surgical director of the UCLA Agi Hirshberg Center for Pancreatic Diseases.
The aggressive nature of pancreatic cancer and its resistance to traditional treatments like chemotherapy, targeted therapies, and immunotherapy contribute to its high mortality rate. While risk factors exist, like smoking and alcohol consumption, Dr. Donahue emphasizes they are not significantly strong indicators.
Advances in Pancreatic Cancer Treatment
Germline sequencing, a method to identify gene mutations linked to increased disease risk, is a crucial preventative measure, particularly for individuals with a family history of cancer. This DNA mapping has led to new treatment possibilities.
Research is focusing on the KRAS oncogene, a cancer-causing genetic mutation that fuels tumor growth in the pancreas. Similar to BRCA mutations increasing breast cancer risk, KRAS mutations are present in almost all pancreatic cancer cases.
Promising new drugs targeting KRAS oncogene variants offer hope for significant advancements in pancreatic cancer treatment, potentially providing a “magic bullet” against the tumor, as Dr. Donahue suggests.
Approximately 8% of late-stage pancreatic cancer patients also have BRCA gene mutations. This knowledge allows for improved screening through frequent MRIs or pancreatic endoscopies, aiming for earlier diagnosis and potential curative surgery.
Robotic-assisted surgery, as effective as open surgery but with faster recovery, is another notable advancement.
Hope for the Future
While Alex Trebek’s passing highlighted the devastating impact of pancreatic cancer, ongoing research and treatment advancements provide reason for optimism. Dr. Donahue expresses confidence in the continued improvement of therapies, leading to a better prognosis for patients diagnosed with this disease. Early detection remains crucial, and genetic testing and advancements in treatment offer a glimmer of hope in the fight against pancreatic cancer.
