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Through the WFPCRF's terrific fundraising events -- including the summer
golf outing and autumn walk/run -- the Foundation's support has made a huge
impact on the quality of research being conducted at the University of
Pittsburgh. We thank you for this kind and generous support. WFPCRF grants
have been key components to the following laboratory advancements:
- A major piece of pancreatic cancer laboratory equipment called a
Laminer Flow Hood. This equipment is used for growing cancer cells for
research use. These research studies are designed to identify genes that
slow tumor growth (i.e., tumor suppressor genes).
- An important type of pancreatic cancer laboratory equipment called
a Taqman Chromo4 Continuous Fluoresence Detector. This machine rapidly
identifies DNA mutations in patient blood samples and measures the levels of
gene expression in tissue samples. The lab uses this machinery to better
and more completely process genetic information related to cancer, and the
incorporation of this machinery into our lab has been a huge time saver. We
can process more information faster and more reliably thanks to the
generosity of WFPCRF volunteers!
- Research support of pathology analysis costs to study methods of
early detection of pancreatic cancer. This research is primarily being done
by the following physician scientists: Asif Khalid, MD, David C. Whitcomb,
MD PhD, Adam Slivka, MD PhD, and Kevin McGrath, MD. These researchers take
sample materials from pancreatic cysts where cancer is suspected through an
endocscopic ultrasound (EUS) procedure. Molecular analysis of these samples
is done, and the researchers then work to determine if cancer is present.
This is a critical finding, since this is a pre-surgery finding and may
protect the patient from unnecessary surgery procedures
- Research support to study pancreas genetics. Dr. Whitcomb's lab
believes that they have found an inherited pancreatic cancer gene, and they
are currently working to prove their work and determine if all findings are
correct.
For more information about the University of Pittsburgh Division of
Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition and the University's pancreas
programs, please visit the UPMC website at
www.upmc.com
or our Division's
academic website at www.dom.pitt.edu
Although Wayne Fusaro's life was cut short by pancreatic cancer, the legacy
of his energy and character lives on through his family and the WFPCRF. The
foundation does not stop with the Fusaro's, however, and is instead helping
all future generations to bypass the suffering caused by pancreatic cancer.
Please join with the WFPCRF volunteers and our team at the University of
Pittsburgh to support the WFPCRF and pancreatic cancer research.
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