Hirshberg Foundation for Pancreatic Cancer Research

06/16/2026

"Afterwards, when you come out of it, that's when I had feelings because I couldn't allow myself to have feelings before."⁠
⁠
During our Survivor Panel, Gerri shared her experience navigating life after treatment and the emotions that surfaced once she was no longer in "warrior mode."⁠
⁠
Survivorship isn't just about finishing treatment. It's also about learning how to move forward, process the journey, and find your way through what's next.⁠
⁠
Thank you, Gerri, for sharing your wisdom and reminding others that they're not alone. 💜⁠
⁠
If you're navigating life after a pancreatic cancer diagnosis, know that support is available.

Click the link to explore patient resources, support groups, and educational programs: https://pancreatic.org/patients-caregivers/⁠
⁠
Watch the full 2026 Survivor Symposium Panel: https://pancreatic.org/symposium-speaker-spotlight-annette-stanton-phd-to-lead-the-panel-discussion-perspectives-from-survivors/

06/12/2026

A breakthrough years in the making.

After decades of research targeting KRAS, a protein that drives most pancreatic cancers, researchers are seeing remarkable results from a new investigational treatment called daraxonrasib.

Unlike chemotherapy, daraxonrasib is a targeted therapy designed to block a protein that pancreatic cancer cells rely on to grow. In a recent CBS Los Angeles interview, UCLA's Dr. Zev Wainberg shared that the treatment nearly doubled survival compared to chemotherapy in a large phase III clinical trial.

Just as encouraging, patients receiving the targeted therapy generally reported a better quality of life than those receiving chemotherapy. While side effects such as rash can occur, Dr. Wainberg noted that the treatment is "a whole heck of a lot better" than chemotherapy in his opinion.

While this is not yet a cure, it represents a significant step forward for pancreatic cancer treatment and offers hope for patients and families facing this disease.

This progress would not be possible without the patients and families who participate in clinical trials, helping move promising discoveries from the lab to the clinic. 💜

Learn more about daraxonrasib: https://pancreatic.org/fda-expands-access-to-daraxonrasib-what-patients-need-to-know/

Dr. Zev Wainberg, an Oncologist with UCLA Health, discusses a new p...

06/12/2026

Just 7 days remain in our Monthly Donor Challenge!

We're working toward our goal of welcoming 120 new monthly donors by June 18. Every new supporter helps fuel progress.

Monthly giving provides dependable, year-round support for pancreatic cancer research, patient education programs, and resources for patients and families.

If you've been thinking about joining, now is the perfect time. Together, we're helping create a future filled with more hope, more breakthroughs, and more
survivor stories.

Become a monthly donor:
https://support.pancreatic.org/site/SPageServer/pagename=monthly_donation

Share your story and inspire others:
https://www.cognitoforms.com/HirshbergFoundationForPancreaticCancerResearch/ShareYourStoryCommunityStories

06/10/2026

Pancreatic cancer treatment is no longer one-size-fits-all.

As Dr. Timothy Donahue explains, today's treatment decisions are increasingly guided by genetics, tumor biology, and each patient's individual goals. Just as important is ensuring patients have access to the support services they need throughout their journey.

At the UCLA Agi Hirshberg Center for Pancreatic Diseases, patients benefit from a multidisciplinary team that includes specialists in surgery, medical oncology, radiation oncology, nutrition, genetic counseling, social services, and more, all working together to provide comprehensive care.

Progress happens when research, innovation, and patient-centered care come together. 💜

Learn more about the Agi Hirshberg Center:
https://pancreatic.org/new-agi-hirshberg-center-for-pancreatic-diseases-unveiled/

Watch Dr. Donahue's Symposium presentation, Pancreatic Cancer Progress Report 2026: https://pancreatic.org/symposium-speaker-spotlight-tim-donahue-md-to-share-pancreatic-cancer-progress-report-2026/

06/07/2026

Today, we celebrate survivors.

National Cancer Survivors Day is a time to recognize the strength, resilience, and courage of everyone who has faced cancer and continues moving forward.

Survivorship looks different for every person. It can include joy, uncertainty, gratitude, healing, and growth. Today, we honor every survivor and the loved
ones, caregivers, healthcare teams, and researchers who walk alongside them.

Together, we continue working toward a future where more people survive pancreatic cancer and thrive beyond their diagnosis. Join us in celebrating
survivors by helping fund hope for future generations through monthly giving.

What does survivorship mean to you? Know a survivor who inspires you?

Share in the comments and inspire others in their journey: https://www.cognitoforms.com/HirshbergFoundationForPancreaticCancerResearch/ShareYourStoryCommunityStories

Become a monthly donor:
https://support.pancreatic.org/site/SPageServer/?pagename=monthly_donation

06/07/2026

Today is National Cancer Survivors Day 💜

Survivorship is about more than finishing treatment. For many patients, the journey continues long after the last appointment, navigating uncertainty, adjusting to a new normal, and facing the anxiety that can come with every follow-up scan.

In this clip, Gerri shares her experience with the "re-entry phase" and the "scanxiety" many survivors face after treatment.

Today, we celebrate survivors and honor the strength it takes to keep moving forward. Here's to every milestone, every victory, and every day beyond diagnosis.

https://pancreatic.org/patients-caregivers/

06/05/2026

Hope in action 💜

After being diagnosed with stage 3 pancreatic cancer, Jeanette enrolled in a UCLA clinical trial led by Dr. Timothy Donahue and Dr. Zev Wainberg. The results were extraordinary, allowing her to undergo surgery and return to teaching, traveling, and celebrating life.

As Jeanette shared, "Trials are critical parts of advancing treatment... There are no guarantees, but I know they're worth it."

Her story is a powerful reminder of why clinical trials matter and how research is creating new hope for patients facing pancreatic cancer. We're grateful to the researchers, clinicians, and patients who continue pushing the field forward and to survivors like Jeanette who inspire us with their courage and determination.

Read her inspiring story below:

Early results are promising from a UCLA Health clinical trial testing experimental immunotherapy drugs to shrink pancreatic tumors.

06/04/2026

What Is Expanded Access (Compassionate Use)?

Daraxonrasib was previously available only through clinical trials. Now, the FDA has granted permission for an Expanded Access Program (EAP), which may allow some eligible patients to receive the investigational therapy outside of a trial setting.

Also known as compassionate use, Expanded Access can provide a pathway for patients with serious illnesses to access promising treatments before full FDA approval.

Swipe through to learn how Expanded Access works, who may qualify, and why conversations with your healthcare team are so important.

Read more about Daraxonrasib: https://pancreatic.org/fda-expands-access-to-daraxonrasib-what-patients-need-to-know/

06/03/2026

"I don't like saying survivor. I'm thriving in life." 💜

When Gerri's pancreatic cancer was discovered during a routine CT scan, her life changed in an instant. After surgery, chemotherapy, and years of perseverance, she's now a pancreatic cancer thriver.

This National Cancer Survivors Month, we're celebrating stories of hope like Gerri's and working to welcome 120 new monthly donors by June 18.

The hope we fund today becomes the survivor stories of tomorrow.

Help us reach our goal and become a monthly donor today: https://support.pancreatic.org/site/SPageServer/?pagename=monthly_donation

Watch our Survivor/Caregiver Panel from 2025

06/02/2026

Daraxonrasib is an investigational therapy that has generated significant interest following encouraging results in patients with previously treated metastatic pancreatic cancer.

In a recent clinical trial, patients receiving daraxonrasib lived a median of 13.2 months compared with 6.7 months for those receiving chemotherapy. While the treatment is still under investigation, these findings represent meaningful progress in the search for new pancreatic cancer treatment options.

Swipe through to learn more about Daraxonrasib and why researchers are paying close attention to this emerging therapy.

Read our full blog post: https://pancreatic.org/fda-expands-access-to-daraxonrasib-what-patients-need-to-know/