Unleashing the Purple Tide: A New Era of Hope and Opportunity in the Battle against Pancreatic Cancer

October 11, 2023 - Baystreet.ca


The unrelenting rise of pancreatic cancer, a leading global cause of cancer death, is akin to a dark storm. But just as every storm has a silver lining, recent advancements in research and funding bring rays of hope and optimism for both patients and investors. This surge in funding, thanks to organizations like PanCAN and initiatives like Precision PromiseSM, coupled with promising breakthroughs in treatment, illuminate a new era for pancreatic cancer care.

As the wave of the geriatric population swells, incidences of pancreatic cancer have taken an alarming hike, particularly in those above 65. This development has fueled the demand for effective drugs and treatments. A report from Fortune Business Insights put the global pancreatic cancer treatment market size at a staggering US$2.48 billion in 2022. Yet, as the urgency increases, so does the response. This market is expected to more than double to a whopping US$6.85 billion by 2029, showing a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 15.7%.

PanCAN, the pancreatic cancer trailblazer, has been a beacon of hope, funding transformative research and providing invaluable support to patients and their families. From early detection to new treatment approaches, this benevolent giant has invested US$174 million in their research programs since 2003. With no government support, they've still managed to accomplish great strides through the generosity of their donors. And for every dollar they invest in their grant recipients, an average of $11.50 in subsequent funding is raised.

In the limelight of PanCAN's breakthroughs stands Precision PromiseSM, a multi-center, seamless Phase 2/3 platform trial designed to evaluate multiple treatments for metastatic pancreatic cancer. From determining safety signals to comparing overall survival rates, Precision Promise aims to optimize pancreatic cancer treatment protocols, ensuring that each patient benefits from the most effective regimen. This platform offers a tantalizing glimpse into a future where the word 'pancreatic cancer' doesn't echo hopelessness but signals a fight that we are steadily equipped to win.

As recently as late June 2023, PanCAN was still adding new potential treatments and solutions to the mix, by including a drug called pelareorep, which was granted a Fast Track Designation back in late 2022 in combination with atezolizumab, gemcitabine, and nab-paclitaxel for the treatment of patients with advanced or metastatic pancreatic cancer—representing pelareorep’s second FDA fast track designation to date.

However, not all the news is rosy. A study by UT Southwestern highlighted that nearly 80% of pancreatic cancer patients in Texas are not offered standard-of-care surgery, a curative treatment for early-stage pancreatic cancer. The researchers called for action to improve treatment in Texas and worldwide. The median survival rate for those who receive this multimodal treatment can be as high as 54 months, a stark contrast to the global 5-year relative survival rate of only 11.5%.

But change is in the wind, as President Biden’s administration recently announced a cancer-focused initiative under its advanced health research agency, ARPA-H. Their goal is to help doctors distinguish between cancerous cells and healthy tissue during surgery, thereby improving outcomes for patients. This initiative, part of Biden’s “cancer moonshot,” aligns with the mission of combating cancer, improving veterans’ health, and making mental health more accessible.

We must remember that pancreatic cancer, often diagnosed late, presents a formidable challenge. But with pioneering research, increasing funding, and adaptive clinical trial designs, new treatments are constantly emerging to improve survival rates. PanCAN's Precision PromiseSM is a sterling example, designed to accelerate drug development, increase clinical trial enrollment, and ultimately transform the way clinical research is done for pancreatic cancer patients.

From an investor's perspective, the pancreatic cancer treatment market is booming. As the funding surge accelerates research breakthroughs and new treatment development, there's a vast ocean of opportunity awaiting savvy investors ready to ride this purple wave.

The fight against pancreatic cancer is a battle for life, but it is also a potential win-win situation for investors and patients alike. With the financial tide turning, the winds of change are beginning to blow, carving out a new path toward hope and survival. As we continue to fund and explore new treatment methods, we light the beacon of hope brighter for those affected and strengthen the foundation for a future where pancreatic cancer can be beaten.