While I applaud the authors for the data presented, the abstract reports on outcomes before the era of combination chemotherapy.… With the development and more widespread use of combination chemotherapy and new drugs, outcomes are improving.

— Allyson J. Ocean, MD

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Allyson J. Ocean, MD, a pancreatic cancer specialist at New York-Presbyterian Hospital/Weill Cornell Medical Center and Associate Professor of Medicine at the Weill Medical College of Cornell University, commented on these study findings. “While I applaud the authors for the data presented, the abstract reports on outcomes before the era of combination chemotherapy such as FOLFIRINOX [leucovorin, fluorouracil, irinotecan, oxaliplatin] and gemcitabine plus nanoparticle albumin-bound paclitaxel [Abraxane],” she noted. “With the development and more widespread use of combination chemotherapy and new drugs, outcomes are improving. We are making strides against this disease, but these breakthroughs and trials need to reach patients faster.”

Dr. Ocean encouraged oncologists and their patients to visit Let’s Win (www.letswinpc.org), an online community that directs oncologists and patients toward clinical trials and cutting-edge care. Dr. Ocean co-founded Let’s Win and chairs its Scientific Advisory Board. (Let’s Win was featured in the November 10, 2016, issue of The ASCO Post.)

“I encourage patients and providers to check out Let’s Win for the latest groundbreaking research in pancreatic cancer and to find out more information about clinical trials and treatments that go beyond the standard of care,” she said. ■

Disclosure: Dr. Ocean reported no potential conflicts of interest.