Vaccines
Researchers are investigating vaccines that will prevent the recurrence of cancer of the pancreas by stimulating the patient's immune system. Eighty-five percent of pancreatic cancer patients have a mutation of the K-ras protein in their cells. Studies are underway at several major cancer centers to find a way to stimulate the immune system to attack the abnormal K-ras protein and thereby prevent the disease from recurring.

Another promising strategy is to inject the patient with antibodies, produced in the laboratory, which will seek out pancreatic cancer cells. These monoclonal antibodies can be attached to toxins or radioactive molecules, delivering this toxic payload to cancerous cells while leaving healthy cells untouched.

Chemotherapy
Many clinical trials are underway to evaluate chemotherapy drug combinations as well as new combinations of drugs and radiation. For example, researchers are investigating whether combining gemcitabine or 5-FU with cisplatin, dipyridamole, doxorubicin, mitomycin or leucovorin will improve their effectiveness.

Genetics
The discovery of the inherited BRCA2 and p16 genes, which increase an individual's chances of developing cancer of the pancreas, may one day allow genetic counselors to identify people at risk and encourage them to join screening and early detection programs.

Angiogenesis
Still in the very early stages is the use of angiogenesis inhibitors to boost the effectiveness of chemotherapy and radiotherapy as well as to control recurrent disease. In order for a tumor to grow and spread, new blood vessels must arise from existing vessels to supply the abnormal cells with blood, a process known as angiogenesis. Scientists are investigating agents that could block new blood vessel growths. The compound angiostatin seems to prevent the formation of new blood vessels that give rise to metastases. Clinical trials are underway to test these anti-angiogenic factors in patients with advanced or recurrent cancer of the pancreas.