Aberrant miRNA production has been linked to a wide range of human cancers and shown to play important roles in their genesis and growth. These miRNA can be detected in the blood and tumors of patients with cancer. The investigators hypothesize that the detection of certain miRNAs present in the blood/serum of patients with pancreatic cancer may be important to the early diagnosis of the disease. Furthermore, the investigators hypothesize that miRNA detection in PC patients will yield prognostic information and help predict the response to treatment.
Have biopsy proven adenocarcinoma of the pancreas
Have initially inoperable disease, classified as either locally advanced or metastatic disease
Recurrent disease after a Whipple procedure is allowed
Patients who are able to undergo resection after neoadjuvant therapy will continue to be followed after resection
Having received prior anti-cancer treatments for metastatic pancreatic cancer
Concurrently receiving systemic therapy for another cancer except androgen deprivation therapy for stable/controlled prostate cancer
Presence of other active cancer except for: adequately treated local basal or squamous cell carcinoma of the skin, cervical carcinoma in situ, superficial bladder cancer, asymptomatic prostate cancer without known metastatic disease and with no requirement for therapy or requiring only hormonal therapy and with normal prostate-specific antigen for >1 year prior to start of trial. Other adequately treated Stage 1 or 2 cancer currently in complete remission, or any other cancer that has been in complete remission for > 5 years is allowable