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23.11.2023ARICE partner Arsen Osipov and his dedicated team save lives |
Pancreatic cancer is infamous as a “silent disease” with symptoms that rarely make themselves known until too late.
Arsen Osipov, YSMU ARICE program partner, gastrointestinal oncologist at Cedars-Sinai; is addressing this problem by weakening specific proteins that make pancreatic cancer so stubborn. “Pancreatic cancer is one of the most complicated malignancies, and unlocking its secrets may allow us to change the outcome for so many patients. We want to emulate the paradigm-shifting success of immunotherapy for other types of cancer, like melanoma and lung cancer, as we target this devastating disease”, Dr. Osipov says. He launched an initial study to better understand the unique tumor microenvironment (TME) of pancreatic cancers. “In a preclinical mouse study, we were able to completely eradicate metastatic pancreatic cancer. This work is now being translated into a clinical trial for patients,” Dr. Osipov explains.
61-year-old Jennifer Schmid's experience with pancreatic cancer underscores the transformative power of the Pancreatic Cancer Multidisciplinary Clinic and Precision Medicine Program at Cedars-Sinai.
When confronted with her challenging diagnosis, Jennifer found a beacon of hope and comprehensive care in a single-day visit. Arsen Osipov and his dedicated team provided her with a precise diagnosis, a tailored treatment plan, and immediate access to clinical trials. “We thought she had metastatic pancreatic cancer, which has a very poor prognosis. But through our multidisciplinary review and genetic sequencing of her pancreatic tumor and the spot on her lung, we discovered she actually had two separate cancers”, Arsen Osipov, program lead for the multidisciplinary clinic and precision medicine program says.
Still in the early stages, both cancers were treated successfully. Today, Schmid is cancer-free. Her story reflects the profound impact that personalized and expedient care can have on a patient's life.
