Joseph C. Monastra Foundation

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Joseph C. Monastra Foundation

This will be the 10th annual Race To Make a Difference for Pancreatic Cancer Research sponsored by the JCM Foundation in Hudson, OH. Each year hundreds of runners and walkers participate in honor of a family member or friend affected by Pancreatic Cancer.

About Joseph Monastra

The Plain Dealer | Monday, April 8, 2002
RICHARD M. PERRY (Plain Dealer Reporter)

MACEDONIA - Joseph C. Monastra, 74, a defense industry engineer who held top level positions at TRW Inc., Argo Tech Corp. and Technautics Corp., died Thursday at his Macedonia home. In the 1980s, Monastra headed the Sidewinder Warhead Program for TRW and helped the company obtain the contract for the torpedo propulsion system. He was vice president of ArgoTech's ordnance system division from 1986 to 1991, and was responsible for marketing and new business development at Marine Mechanical Corp., later Technautics Corp.After he retired in 1993, he worked as a consultant.

Monastra was born in Cleveland. He graduated from East Technical High School and from Fenn College, now Cleveland State University. He began working at Thompson Aircraft Products in 1952, investigating fuel pump failures and conducting test programs. After the company became TRW, he helped develop and test booster nozzles for rockets. Monastra served in England on special assignment for the Army from 1954 to 1956. He later was an engineering instructor in the Washington area. He was a member of the Navy League of the United States and served on the steering committee of the underwater missile section of the American Defense Preparedness Association.

He married Grace Maureen Sicurezza 42 years ago. In addition to his wife, Monastra is survived by daughters, Grace Marie Saunders and Monica Lodge, both of Hudson, Antoinette Engelke of Phoenix, and Pamela Swanson of Atlanta; and seven grandchildren.

From the Family ▼

Dear Friends,

It is with great sadness that we are writing you, our beloved husband and father Joseph C. Monastra passed away on April 4, 2002. Joseph passed away only four short weeks after being diagnosed with Pancreatic Cancer. According to the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network (PanCAN), no effective early detection methods have been developed, there are minimal treatment options available and very little research is presently under way due to limited research funding.

In honor of Joseph's memory, we have established the "Joseph C. Monastra Fund for Pancreatic Cancer Research" at Johns Hopkins University, in Baltimore. We are asking that you please help us make a difference for pancreatic cancer research and raise awareness for the need for increased research funding at our first fundraiser, a 5K race, in Hudson, Ohio on Saturday September 21st of 2002. We have partnered up with Johns Hopkins and a group of scientists in the pathology department who are working specifically on pancreatic cancer research. By establishing this fund in Joseph's name, we have the privilege of earmarking the funds.

Pancreatic Cancer has gone too long with out a voice. It is a disease that most call, "The Silent Killer." Many other forms of cancer have made enormous strides, in reducing their mortality rate, through research and the development of early detection and prevention methods. The need for advocacy is crucial in helping make a difference for pancreatic cancer and the tens of thousands of people diagnosed each year (approx. 30,000 this year). Our family's hope is that through our voice and the voice of many we can raise awareness for the need to increase the allocation for research dollars to pancreatic cancer research.

Joseph dedicated his life and career to his family, friends and to the United States Defense Industry. We've attached a biography that was printed in his dedication. In honor of his memory and legacy to his family, friends, and country we felt it imperative to personally make it our mission to fight this disease that robbed his family and friends of a hero, a friend, a father and a husband. Please help us make a difference for Pancreatic Cancer Research. Your contributions, in any form, are appreciated with our heartfelt gratitude.

Sincerely,
The Monastra Family

Photos ▼

In June 2002, we went to Washington D.C. for a conference on cancer awareness. We had the privilege to meet with both the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network (PanCAN) and One Voice Against Cancer (OVAC). The conference lasted four days and within those days we went to several seminars, observed a senate hearing on the request for increased funding for cancer research, and independently met with our congressman and senators.

We received a certificate from the Honorable Johnny Isakson, Member of Congress for Atlanta, Georgia stating that per his request five flags (one for Joseph's wife and one for each of his daughters) was flown over the capital in honor of Joseph Monastra's dedication in life and career to the defense industry of the United States.

Research ▼

We are a proud supporter of Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions and their talented group of scientists. Donations to date, have gone directly to Dr. Christine Iacobuzio-Donahue who is leading a team of scientists whose focus is on the early detection and prevention of pancreatic cancer. The research is focused on gene analysis, and the development of clinical trials.

The researchers at Johns Hopkins have used a technique called “gene expression profiling” to study the genes of pancreas cancers. To date, they have already identified over 100 genes that are specifically “turned on” in the pancreas where a cancer is present. While this is a significant advance in pancreatic cancer research, each one of these genes needs to go through a validation process consisting of a series of experiments to prove that the cancer cells have turned on these genes and not other normal cells within the pancreas. Those genes that are validated as specifically turned on in pancreas cancers are the most promising for the development of vaccines and drugs that will eventually move into clinical trials for patients.

Using this approach, Dr. Iacobuzio-Donahue has identified a specific gene as a potential target for treating pancreas cancer. Her research has so far proven that 99% of pancreas cancer cells do turn on this particular gene. Following this promising breakthrough, Dr. Iacobuzio and her collaborators have begun the work to create a designer drug that will specifically act against pancreas cancer cells that activate the gene. Once this designer drug is synthesized, the study phase will commence to prove that the drug can kill the cancer cells. The study phase will use actual pancreas cancer cells growing in culture or as xenografted tumors (human pancreas cancers growing in laboratory mice). The preliminary data generated from these studies will form the basis for clinical trials in patients battling pancreatic cancer. The timeline for this research is no less than 5 years.

The Joseph C. Monastra Fund has directly supported several publications:

E.E. Embuscado, D. Laheru, F. Ricci, K.J. Yun, S. Witzel, A. Seigel, K. Flickinger, M. Hidalgo, G.S. Bova, C. A. Iacobuzio-Donahue. Immortalizing the Complexity of Cancer Metastasis: Genetic Features of Lethal Metastatic Pancreatic Cancer Obtained from Rapid Autopsy. Cancer Biol. Ther. 2005 in press. (PMID 15846069)
F. Ricci, S.E. Kern, R.H. Hruban, C.A. Iacobuzio-Donahue. Stromal responses to carcinomas of the pancreas: Juxtatumoral gene expression conforms to the infiltrating pattern and not the biologic subtype. Cancer Biol. Ther. 2005 4:52-57. (PMID 15876873)
L.S. Nichols, R. Ashfaq, C.A. Iacobuzio-Donahue. Claudin 4 Protein Expression in Primary and Metastatic Pancreatic Cancer: Support for use as a Therapeutic Target. Am J Clin Pathol 2004 121:226-230. (PMID 14983936)
W. Xin, K.J. Yun, F. Ricci, W. Qiu, G.H. Su, C.J.Yeo, R.H. Hruban, S.E. Kern, C.A. Iacobuzio-Donahue. MAP2K4/MKK4 Expression in Pancreatic Cancer: Genetic Validation of Immunohistochemistry and Relationship to Disease Course. Clin Cancer Res 2004 10:8516-8520. (PMID 15623633)

Giving ▼

The Joseph C. Monastra Fund exemplifies how private donations can honor loved ones and at the same time have a significant impact in the war against pancreatic cancer research.

If you wish to support the Joseph C. Monastra Fund for Pancreatic Cancer Research at Johns Hopkins you may do so by sending your tax-deductible contribution payable to The Johns Hopkins University to:

Ralph H. Hruban, M.D.
The Johns Hopkins Hospital
Department of Pathology
600 N. Wolfe Street
Carnegie 417
Baltimore, MD 21287

Please be sure to specify in the memo field of your check that your donation should be earmarked for the Monastra Fund.

If you have any questions about how you can help support pancreas cancer research, do not hesitate to give us a call: 410-955-9791.

Past Events

2nd Annual Golf Classic ▼

October 27, 2008 - The Golf Club of Georgia, Alpharetta, GA 30005

The mission of this Foundation is to engage in charitable, educational and scientific activities including funding research, scientific endeavors and other activities directed at the eradication of cancer specifically pancreatic cancer.

Benefiting: The Joseph C. Monastra (JCM) Foundation for PC Research
Contact: Rick Rosemond at 678-888-0243 or email [email protected]

1st Annual Golf Classic ▼

October 29, 2007 - The Golf Club of Georgia, Alpharetta, GA

The mission of this Foundation is to engage in charitable, educational and scientific activities including funding research, scientific endeavors and other activities directed at the eradication of cancer specifically pancreatic cancer.

Benefiting: The Joseph C. Monastra (JCM) Foundation for PC Research
Contact: Rick Rosemond at 678-888-0243 or email [email protected]

4th Annual Ride to Make A Difference ▼

October 15, 2005 - Backdraft, 300 Peachtree Industrial Blvd., Suwanee, GA

- Registration: Begins at 11 a.m.
- Cost: $20 (1st 200 registered riders to receive a t-shirt)
- Police Escorted Ride: Begins promptly at 1 p.m. (New route planned – it promises to be beautiful, but not as long as last year's)

Benefiting: The Joseph C. Monastra (JCM) Foundation for PC Research
Contact: Pamela M. Swanson, 404-391-2169

Refuse to Lose 2005 ▼

"Refuse to Lose: The Fight Against Pancreatic Cancer"
4th Annual 5K Run/1 Mile Walk
August 6, 2005 - Hudson, Ohio

For more information contact 216-623-9933, or email [email protected].

1st Annual Motorcycle Ride ▼

July 16, 2005 - Quaker Steak & Lube, 5935 Canal Road, Valley View, OH

12:30pm to 1:30pm -- Registration

Your $10 donation includes:

a commemmorative Pin
10% discount on accessories at State 8 Motorcycle and ATV
10% discount on accessories at Liberty Harley Davidson
10% discount on food purchase at Quaker Steak and Lube

Bands:

Begin at 4:30pm rain or shine
Live music from Second Look
Eclyptic and Amadeus
Raffle prizes include leather jackets, gift cards and accessories

Refuse to Lose 2004 ▼

"Get Ready to Rumble - Refuse to Lose the Fight Against Pancreatic Cancer" Motorcycle Ride
November 13,2004 - Wild Wings Cafe, on Satellite Blvd., Duluth, GA. (770-945-9090)

- Registration: Begins at 10 a.m.
- Cost: $20 (1st 300 registered riders to receive a t-shirt)
- Breakfast: Provided by Starbucks & Krispy Kreme Doughnuts
- Police Escorted Ride: 12:00 noon (sharp)

Contact: Pamela M. Swanson, 404-391-2169

Monte Carlo Casino Night 2004 ▼

August 14, 2004 - Polo Golf & Country Club, Cummings, GA

7pm to midnight

Some auction items include:
- Jack Niclaus Autographed "Golden Bear" Golf Bag
- Falcons Quarterback Michael Vick Autographed Helmet
- Diamond Tennis Bracelet and Diamond Necklace - Donated by Chaplin Diamonds
- His & Her Matching Diamond Faced Wittnaeur Watches - Donated by Harlin Diamonds
- LCD Flat Screen TV - Donated by hhgregg

Contact: Pamela M. Swanson, 404-391-2169

3rd Annual Race to Make a Difference ▼

July 31,2004 - Hudson, OH

2nd Annual Monte Carlo Gala ▼

May 8, 2004 - Hudson, OH at Hilton Garden Inn

In Memory of Les Dingledine ▼

February 27,2004 - Riverwoods, IL (Chicago)

- Hors' Dourves, cocktails and raffle
- 40 per person

Discover Financial Services
ESP Pavillion
2500 Lake Cook Road
Riverwoods, IL

Contact Deborah Rawlings for more information 224-405-2469

2nd Annual Ride to Make a Difference ▼

November 9, 2003 (Rain day: Sunday Nov. 23rd) - Atlanta, GA (Chicago)

- Registration 10-11:30am
-Ride begins at 12 noon (sharp); Ride begins and ends at the Fire House Food & Spirits, Suwanee 678-714-6906

Silent Auction/Live Auction
Raffle Prizes, Vendors
- $20 Donation gets you a t-shirt (first 300 registered riders!)

Bike Show:
Best of Show, Best EVO, Best Pro EVO, Best Paint, Best Custom Built, Best Custom Manufactured
Contact Pamela Swanson for more information 404-391-2169

2nd Annual Race to Make a Difference ▼

August 2003 - Hudson, OH

First Annual Monte Carlo Gala & Silent Auction ▼

June 21, 2003 - Polo Golf and Country Club, Cummings, GA

7pm-midnight
$65 per person ($75 night of the event)

For more information, contact: Pamela Swanson: 770-889-2682 or Anthony Tortorici: 678-493-0313

First Annual Monte Carlo Gala ▼

April 5, 2003 - Hudson, OH

In honor of Joseph's 75th birthday on March 30th

First Annual Ride to Make a Difference ▼

A Motorcycle Bike Ride
November 2, 2002 - Atlanta, GA

Race to Make a Difference ▼

September 21, 2002 - Hudson, OH

On Saturday, September 21,2002 in Hudson Ohio, the Monastra Family hosted their First Annual Joseph C. Monastra Race to Make A Difference for Pancreatic Cancer Research. The participants had the option to chose from a 5K run or a 1mile walk, with nearly 250 registered participants, and over 30 volunteers. We were honored with guest speakers, such as Hudson's City Manager, Michael Morton, Congressman Tom Sawyer, and Dr. Christine Iacobuzio-Donahue from Johns Hopkins. Their presence alone was a tribute to Joseph and the cause we are helping to champion.

Our sponsors, need mention for without them this event would not have been the success that it was: Ross Products, I.J. Kim Martial Arts, Spectrum Surgical Instruments, Moen Inc., Advanced Health Systems, Inc., Western Reserve Printing, and the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network (PanCAN). All corporate contributions were donated directly to Johns Hopkins University in the Joseph C. Monastra Fund, earmarked for pancreas cancer research.

Participants were from all ages, 5 and younger to 60 and over. The top runner, Tommy Noyes of North Canton Ohio, finished with a time of 16:37. An amazing finish. Two of Joe's grandchildren, Jason and Tyler Saunders finished 1st in their age bracket, beating their own personal records.

The Sponsors and "Day of Race" Donators were amazing. Distallata donated gallons and gallons of water; Clif Bar/Luna Bar donated nutrition bars, with pastries and bagels coming from Brueggers Bagels, Panera, & Krispy Kreme Donuts; Acme, the local grocery store out-did-themselves, supplying tons of fruit and water; CVS donated all the goodie bags and filled them with products; Step2 donated play yard equipment to keep all the children occupied while teenagers from the Hudson High School volunteered to do face painting. One of our major sponsors, I.J. Kim Martial Arts brought their Nationally Recognized Team of Athletes to entertain all with amazing skills, such as, cement block breaking, board breaking, self defense demo, and much more. Another sponsor, Ross Products, the makers of Ensure and Prosure (a new supplemental drink especially designed for cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy and radiation), came in from Columbus to spend the weekend and set up a display at the event and made themselves available to answer questions and offer advise. It truly was a family event.

D.J.'s - Terry Swanson (son-in-law) and Mike Talbot (friend of family), well let's just say they kept things lively!!!!

We are immensely grateful and blessed beyond any words of gratitude, because what we have discovered, beyond the grasp of this "Silent Killer" we all know as Pancreas Cancer, is a true sense of hope and commitment - from the families championing the cause, to those bright, talented, and energetic doctors and scientists committed to making a difference at Johns Hopkins University. Some day with the continued support and commitment we too will be Racing for the Cure.

An inherited genetic variation in DNA that you are born with

Third Degree Relatives - First cousins, great-aunts and uncles

Second Degree Relatives - Aunts, uncles, grandparents, nieces and nephews

First Degree relatives - Blood relatives in your immediate family: parents, children, and siblings

Also known as a pancreatoduodenectomy, the Whipple procedure is the surgery typically performed to remove cancers of the head of the pancreas (the part of the pancreas on the right side of your body). It typically involves the surgical removal of the head of the pancreas, a portion of the duodenum and a portion of the bile ducts.

This is an experimental type of treatment. It is a medication made of killed or weakened cells, organisms or manufactured materials, which is used to boost the body's immune system. Ideally, this will allow the body to fight and kill the cancer cells more effectively. Vaccines include whole killed cancer cells or specific proteins from the cancer.

Unable to be surgically removed. This usually means that the cancer has spread beyond the areas that can be removed surgically.

The part of the pancreas that bends backwards, hooking around two very important blood vessels, the superior mesenteric artery and vein. The word "uncinate" comes from the word uncus which means "hook."

A painless procedure in which high frequency sound waves are used to generate pictures of the inside of the body. An ultrasound devise can be placed at the end of a scope, and the scope inserted into the duodenum, providing very detailed pictures of the pancreas. This is called "endoscopic ultrasound."

This term simply refers to a "mass" or neoplasm. For example, a collection of pus is a tumor. This is a general term that can refer to either benign or malignant growths.

A clot within the blood vessels. It may occlude (block) the vessel or may be attached to the wall of the vessel without blocking the blood flow.

An inflammation of the veins accompanied by thrombus formation. It is sometimes referred to as Trousseau's sign.

The long thin part of gland in the left part of abdomen, near the spleen.

A slender hollow tube inserted into the body to relieve a blockage. For example, pancreas cancers often grow into the bile duct as the bile duct passes through the pancreas. This can block the flow of bile and cause the patient to become jaundiced. In these cases the flow of bile can be reestablished by placing a stent into the bile duct, through the area of blockage.

Excessive amounts of fat in the stool. Sometimes this can appear as an oil slick on top of the toilet water after the patient has had a bowel movement. It can be a sign that the pancreas isn't functioning well.

A classification system that is used to describe the extent of disease. Clinicians use it to predict the likely survival of a patient.

A flat, scale-like cell. Although most pancreatic cancers look like ducts under the microscope, a small fraction look like squamous cells.

A maroon colored, rounded organ in the upper left part of the abdomen, near the tail of the pancreas. This organ is part of your immune system and filters the lymph and blood in your body. It is often removed during the distal pancreatectomy surgical procedure.

A long (20 foot) tube that stretches from the stomach to the large intestine. It helps absorb nutrients from food as the food is transported to the large intestine. There are three sections: the duodenum, the jejunum and the ileum. Due to its proximity to the pancreas, the duodenum is the section of the small intestine most often affected by pancreatic cancer.

An infection of the blood. This can be life-threatening and is often treated with antibiotics.

A malignant tumor that looks like connective tissues (bone, cartilage, muscle)under the microscope. Sarcomas are extremely rare in the pancreas.

Able to be removed surgically. Usually this means that the cancer is confined to areas typically removed surgically.

The use of high-energy waves similar to x-rays to treat a cancer. Radiation therapy is usually used to treat a local area of disease and often is given in combination with chemotherapy.

A thick ring of muscle (a sphincter) between the stomach and duodenum. This sphincter helps control the release of the stomach contents into the small intestine.

A forecast for the probable outcome of a disease based on the experience of large numbers of other patients with similar stage disease. Importantly, making a prognosis is not an exact science. Some patients with poor prognosis beat the odds and live longer than anyone would have predicted. Steve Dunn's Cancer Guide has an excellent article on statistics and prognoses and stories of other cancer patients.

A cancer in the organ where it started in. A primary cancer of the pancreas is one that started in the pancreas as opposed to a cancer that started somewhere else and only later spread to the pancreas.

The biochemical study of plants; concerned with the identification, biosynthesis, metabolism of chemical constituents of plants; especially in regards to natural products.

Around the ampulla of Vater in the duodenum. The peri-ampullary region is comprised of 4 structures; the ampulla, the duodenum, the bile duct and the head of the pancreas. It is sometimes difficult to tell which structure a tumor originated in. In such cases the diagnosis will be a peri-ampullary tumor.

A medical doctor specially trained to study disease processes. Pathologists make the microscopic diagnosis that is used to establish the diagnosis of cancer.

A term used to describe certain tumors which grow in finger-like projections. Pathologists use this term to describe some precancerous lesions in the pancreas (intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm).

Any treatment that reduces the severity of a disease or its symptoms. Palliative care is often a part of the treatment plan for patients with advanced pancreatic cancer.

An oblong organ located between the stomach and the spine. The pancreas secretes enzymes needed for the digestion of food and it produces hormones such as insulin and glucagon which help control blood sugar.

A surgically created opening in an organ that can also be referred to as an anastamosis. Sometimes when surgeons remove a segment of bowel they create an ostomy to allow for the bowel contents to exit the body.

A medical doctor who specializes in the treatment of tumors. Oncologists often treat patients with pancreatic cancer with chemotherapy.

An abnormal new growth of tissue that grows more rapidly than normal cells and will continue to grow if not treated. These growths will compete with normal cells for nutrients. This is a general term that can refer to benign or malignant growths. It is a synonym for the word tumor.

Chemotherapy and radiation therapy that is given to patients before surgery. Some centers feel that the use of neoadjuvant therapy improves local and regional control of disease and that it may make more patients surgical candidates.

The thin section of the pancreas between the head and the body of the gland.

An alteration in the DNA of a cell. Think of it as a typographically error in the DNA code.

A cancer that has spread from one organ to another. Pancreas cancer most frequently metastasizes to the liver. In general, cancers that have metastasized are generally not treated surgically, but instead are treated with chemotherapy and/or radiation therapy.

A cancer that has the potential of invading nearby tissues, spreading to other organs (metastasizing) and possibly leading to the patient's death.

A painless method for visualizing internal organs. A tube-like machine with a powerful magnet generates images of the inside of the body. It does not involve the use of Xrays.

Normal, round, raisin to grape-sized collections of lymphocytes (white blood cells) found throughout the body. Lymph nodes are connected to each other by lymphatic vessels. They normally help fight infection, but also are one of the first sites to which cancers spread. In general, the spread of cancer to lymph nodes portends a worse prognosis for the patient. There are exceptions to this.

A primary pancreatic cancer that has spread to regional lymph nodes and/or resectable (removable) tissues. Removable tissues include some lymph nodes and parts of the duodenum and stomach that are routinely removed in some surgical treatments for pancreatic cancer.

The largest organ in the body, located in the right upper part of the abdomen. It performs many life-maintaining functions including the production of bile. The liver detoxifies the blood of drugs, alcohol and other harmful chemicals. It processes nutrients absorbed by the intestine and stores essential nutrients, vitamins and minerals. Bilirubin is a chemical produced when old or damaged blood cells breakdown. The liver chemically process the bilirubin so that it can dissolve in water and be excreted through the urine. When this process is disrupted, jaundice can develop.

A technique that surgeons can use to visualize and even biopsy (take tissue samples of) organs inside of the abdomen without making large incisions. Very small incisions are made in the belly and small tubes (called trocars) are then inserted. Gas is pumped in through one of the tubes to create enough space to work in. The surgeon inserts a small camera through one of the tubes and examines the lining and contents of the abdominal cavity by looking at the projected image on the television screen. With specially designed laparascopic instruments, biopsies and fluid samples can be taken for examination. Some surgeons feel that this technique can help "stage" a patient less invasively than with open surgery.

Yellowing of the skin or yellowing of the whites of the eyes caused by the accumulation of bile pigments (usually due to an obstruction of the bile ducts).

A hormone produced by the endocrine cells of the islets of Langerhans cells of the pancreas. Insulin acts to lower blood sugar levels.

A term used to indicate that cancerous cells are present in the duct but have not yet invaded deeper tissues.

The widest part of the pancreas. It is found in the right part of abdomen, nestled in the curve of the duodenum, which forms an impression in the side of the pancreas.

A hormone produced by the endocrine (islets of Langerhans) cells of the pancreas. When blood sugar levels are low, glucagon acts to raise blood sugar levels.

Gemzar is the trade name for the chemotherapy drug gemcitabine. It is frequently used to treat pancreatic cancer. It has been shown, in controlled clinical trials, to improve quality of life.

A green pear-shaped organ located on the right side of the abdomen just under the liver. The gallbladder is essentially a reservoir for holding bile.

A chemotherapeutic drug commonly used to treat pancreatic cancer.

The exocrine cells (acinar cells) of the pancreas produce and transport chemicals that will exit the body through the digestive system.

The chemicals that the exocrine cells produce are called enzymes. They are secreted in the duodenum where they assist in the digestion of food.

A test used to visualize and examine the pancreas and bile ducts. A tube is inserted through a patient's nose (or throat), down through the esophagus and stomach then into the small intestine (duodenum). There, a small probe is inserted into the ampulla of Vater. A dye is injected through the probe and into the pancreatic and bile ducts. X-rays are then taken to visualize the pancreatic and bile ducts. these ducts can be seen as white structures (this is because the injected dye is opaque). Because pancreas cancers often block the pancreatic and/or bile ducts, this technique can be useful in establishing a diagnosis of pancreas cancer.

A chemical that causes a reaction in other substances, in this case as a part of the digestive process.

A medical doctor who specializes in the treatment of hormonal abnormalities.

These are specialized cells that produce hormones released into the bloodstream. For example, the islets of Langerhans are endocrine cells in the pancreas that produce the hormone insulin. This hormone helps control blood sugar(glucose) levels.

Some rare tumors of the pancreas, the endocrine (Islet Cell) tumors, can produce these same hormones. It is very important that these rare tumors be properly diagnosed because it will determine the treatment and prognosis.

Surgical removal of a structure or part of a structure. For example, pancreatectomy is the surgical removal of the pancreas (or a portion of it).

The first portion of the small intestine. It is about 1 foot long. It is the part of the intestinal track that comes after the stomach.

A small anatomic structure. This is essentially a tube that carries various bodily fluids. The pancreatic duct runs the full length of the pancreas and drains into the duodenum.

The chemical in every cell that carries genetic information.

A dome shaped muscle that separates the lungs and heart from the abdomen. This muscle assists in breathing.

The disease in which the body is unable to appropriately control blood sugar (glucose) levels. This may be caused by failure of the pancreas to produce adequate amounts of insulin.

A fluid filled sac. Some tumors of the pancreas, including the serous cystadenomas and intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms, form cysts. Cysts have a distinct appearance in CT scans. They are important to recognize because the treatment of cystic tumors can differ from that for solid tumors.

A dye, taken by mouth or injected, that is sometimes used during x-ray examinations to highlight areas that otherwise might not be seen.

A way to image internal organs. A series of x-ray pictures taken by a machine that encircles the body like a giant tube. Computers are then used to generate cross-sectional images of the inside of the body.

The treatment of a cancer by chemicals. For pancreatic cancer these include: Gemzar (Gemcitabine), 5-flurouracil, leukovorin, taxol, and others.

A small, flexible tube inserted into the body to inject or suck out fluids.

A cancer-causing chemical. Cigarette smoke contains a number of carcinogens.

A malignant tumor. It has the potential of invading into the adjacent tissues, spreading to other organs and may eventually lead to the patient's death.

A dramatic weight loss and general wasting that occurs during chronic disease.

A blood marker for pancreas cancer. It is not a good screening test for diagnosing possible pancreas cancers in individuals without symptoms. Instead, it can be useful in following the progress of patients known to have a cancer by measuring how their cancer is responding to treatment.

The middle part of the pancreas between the neck and the tail. The superior mesenteric blood vessels run behind this part of the gland.

The removal and microscopic examination of a small tissue sample.

A duct that carries bile from the liver to the intestine. This term may refer to the hepatic, cystic or common bile duct.

A green fluid produced by the liver that helps digest fats. It is transported from the liver to the duodenum by the bile duct. When the flow of bile is blocked, patients may become jaundiced (yellow skinned).

Tumors which are non-cancerous. These generally grow slowly and do not invade adjacent organs or spread (metastasize) beyond the pancreas.

The collection of excess amounts of fluid in the abdominal cavity (belly). It often is a sign that the cancer has spread to either the liver or to the portal vein that goes to the liver, or that the cancer involves the internal lining of the abdomen. If normal liver function is affected, a complex set of biochemical checks and balances is disrupted and abnormal amounts of fluid are retained.

The large artery that carries oxygen-rich blood from the heart. From the heart it arches backwards and descends into the abdomen where it gives off many branches to supply the organs. The superior mesenteric artery is a major branch of the aorta that can be involved by pancreatic cancer.

A radiographic technique used to visualize blood vessels. A contrast medium (a dye) is usually injected into the vessels to make them appear white on the x-rays.

A condition marked by a diminished apetite and aversion to food. Often results in physical signs of wasting.

A condition characterized by a deficiency in red blood cells. This can lead to fatigue among other symptoms.

A surgical joining of two hollow structures. It is similar to attaching two ends of a garden hose. For example, a gastrojejunostomy is a surgical procedure that connects the stomach and the jejunum (small intestine.)

This widening of the pancreatic duct as it reaches the duodenum is an landmark for physicians. It is where the bile duct and pancreatic duct join before draining into the duodenum (small intestine). Tumors in the head of the pancreas may squeeze this duct partially or completely closed. This can lead to problems with digestion and jaundice.

Chemotherapy given to patients after their cancers have been surgically removed. It is a secondary treatment given to supplement surgical treatment. (see Neoadjuvant chemotherapy which is chemotherapy given before surgery)

A benign (non-cancerous) tumor made up of cells that form glands (collections of cells surrounding an empty space).

The form of cancer that most people are talking about when they refer to "cancer of the pancreas." These tumors account for 75% of all pancreas cancers.

Microscopically, adenocarcinomas form glands. These tumors can grow large enough to invade nerves which can cause back pain. They also frequently spread (metastasize) to the liver or lymph nodes. If this happens the tumor may be considered unresectable.

A pus-filled cavity. Usually caused by an infection.

The portion of the body between the diaphragm and the pelvis.