The Pancreatic Cancer Action Network has two ways in searching for clinical trials. The have all the Pancreatic Cancer and cyst trials consolidated on their site from the clinicaltrials.gov site. One can do a self-search entering parameters on cancer type, distance, etc. the other way is calling PanCan at 877.272.6226, M-F, 7:00am-5:00pm PT and speaking to a case manager. They interact with staff at CancerCommons.org which has a staff with a scientific background that searches for all appropriate trials and will provide a list of the best matches to one’s medical history. If a patient had molecular testing done as Next Generation Sequencing for somatic mutations/actionable biomarkers or a Liquid Biopsy for germline (inherited mutations, it helps those searching find targetable therapies.

A tip I give to those interested in a trial: don’t limit the search to one’s immediate area. There might be a well suited trial that can positively impact your life. When it may make the difference in surviving, don’t cut yourself short on options. Clinical trials reimburse travel costs. Those conducted by the NIH on its campus in Bethesda, MD fly patients in worldwide and airfare is covered. For trials sponsored at academic institutes by a pharmaceutical company, a non-profit medical research organization or the institution itself where airfare may not be provided or subsidized, there are several non-profit organizations that coordinate round-trip flights on private corporate jets with a space available status. Transportation is free for the patient and one caregiver. Organizations such as Corporate Air Angels handles the scheduling. The patient/caregiver needs to get to/from the departure airport which will be relatively close to their home. One the arrival end, the host institution advises on transportation to reach their site.