Jordan D. Berlin, MD, Ingram Professor of Cancer Research, professor of medicine, VICC associate director for clinical research strategy, director of the Phase I Program in Gastrointestinal Malignancies, Clinical Trials, in the Department of Medicine at Vanderbilt University Medical Center, discusses unmet needs in pancreatic cancer.

Historically, other than chemotherapy, the pancreatic cancer armamentarium has had limited treatment options available, says Berlin. Targeted therapy options, such as TRK inhibitors for patients with 

 fusions are available. Additionally, immunotherapy may be an option for patients with microsatellite instability–high disease. Patients with germline 

 mutations could be eligible to receive PARP inhibitors, Berlin explains. ​However, taken collectively, only around 5% of patients with pancreatic cancer are eligible for these targeted options, which spotlights the need for additional options. 

Future research efforts may focus on the utility of immunotherapy for patients in this setting. Furthermore, an emphasis will likely be placed on metabolism and evaluating additional agents that may inhibit DNA damage repair. Additionally, developing addition targeted therapies that inhibit more common mutations, such as 

, are relevant ongoing efforts, Berlin concludes.

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Jordan D. Berlin, MD, discusses unmet needs in pancreatic cancer.  
  


Dr. Berlin on Unmet Needs in Pancreatic Cancer 

Jordan D. Berlin, MD, Ingram Professor of Cancer Research, professor of medicine, VICC associate director for clinical research strategy, director, Phase I Program, gastrointestinal malignancies, clinical trials, Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, discusses potential targets in pancreatic cancer.

 amplification, though a larger percentage of patients have DNA damage repair defects, says Berlin. It may be possible to target SMAD4, and in doing so gain insight into the tumor’s behavior. There are other targets with the same potential, says Berlin. Enrollment on Precision Promise trials look very promising in that regard. Next-generation sequencing should also be used to determine what a patient’s mutation profile is.

Additionally, every patient with pancreatic cancer needs genetic counseling, not just genetic testing, says Berlin. Genetic counselors, alongside medical oncologists, are crucial in the treatment of these patients. The optimal time for genetic counseling is at diagnosis. As such, the discussion about a genetic counseling referral should be part of the initial consultation.

Jordan D. Berlin, MD

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Dr. Berlin on Unmet Needs in Pancreatic Cancer

Dr. Berlin on Potential Targets in Pancreatic Cancer