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Peace of Mind after Developing a Pancreatic Cyst: Hertford Mother Participates in Cellvizio Study

Posted on by Mauna Kea

Linda was diagnosed with a pancreatic cyst. Her consultant gastroenterologist, Dr. Stephen Pereira, performed a Cellvizio procedure and was able to rule out cancer immediately afterwards.

“It felt like my life was on hold,” says Linda Bartlett, a 41-year-old mother of two who found out she had a cyst on her pancreas in March 2014.
Linda lives in a town called Hertford in southern England where she cares for the elderly and spends her free time gardening and cross stitching. When she began to experience abdominal discomfort that led to trouble eating and weight loss, Linda went to her doctor.
At first she thought she might be dealing with inflammatory bowel disease, but a CT scan revealed a mass on her pancreas. A subsequent MRI confirmed it was a cyst. The next step would be to determine whether it was cancerous.
“I was shocked because I thought it was cancer,” recalls Linda. “My family has a history with cancer issues. My mother is prone to cysts and my husband has had cancer. It was a stressful time.”
Linda was referred to Dr. Stephen Pereira, a consultant gastroenterologist and hepatologist at University College London. Dr. Pereira is one of the first in the UK to use endomicroscopy with Cellvizio to examine pancreatic cysts and offered Linda an opportunity to participate in a clinical study.

Find out what you need to know about pancreatic cysts

“The ability to rapidly and accurately diagnose pancreatic cysts is important because it reduces wait time for the patient and allows doctors to make diagnoses with more confidence,” says Dr. Pereira. “Microscopic imaging with Cellvizio during standard endoscopies allows us to see and assess individual cells in real-time.”
Linda had no prior experience with endoscopies but was willing to participate in the study.
A benign pancreatic cyst can be distinguished from a potentially malignant one by the appearance of the cyst wall. After using Cellvizio to view Linda’s cyst wall for the first time, Dr. Pereira explained that it had a supervascular network of tiny vessels which is typical of a benign cyst. The procedure took less than 30 minutes and results were instantaneous.
“Another key advantage of this technology is that patients like Linda can avoid undergoing major preventative pancreatic surgery,” adds Dr. Pereira. “In this case we were able to rule out cancer and sent Linda home. Since this is a relatively new procedure, we do follow-up with patients in a standard way while we gain more experience with Cellvizio.”
“It gave me peace of mind,” says Linda. “There may be others who are not aware of the options available when diagnosed with a pancreatic cyst. Cellvizio Targeted Biopsy helped me return to my life and continue doing the things I love doing.”
Several published clinical trials show that endomicroscopy with Cellvizio provides an accurate description of a pancreatic cyst in about eight out of ten patients. In cases where the image is not conclusive, a traditional aspiration of fluid can still be taken. A clinical study is ongoing and is currently recruiting patients from the Royal Free Hospital and University College Hospital in London as well as Addenbrooke’s Hospital in Cambridge. Soon patients will also be able to join the study at Newcastle’s Freeman Hospital and Nottingham’s Queen’s Medical Centre.

Find a physician offering Cellvizio targeted Biopsy near you 

New Research at Mayo Clinic Describes Molecular Steps Leading to Pancreatic Cancer

Posted on by Mauna Kea

We know that pancreatic cancer is so dangerous because symptoms do not usually occur until advanced stages. But what if we knew the steps that lead to the formation of precancerous lesions at the molecular level? Maybe cancer could be identified earlier. Better yet, maybe the development of the lesions could be stopped.
Continue reading “New Research at Mayo Clinic Describes Molecular Steps Leading to Pancreatic Cancer”

Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month: Let’s Work Together to Diagnose Cancer Faster

Posted on by Mauna Kea

purple-cellvizio-pancreatic-cancer-awareness-nov2014
Photo Credit: @ElementalHCare

Pancreatic cancer is often found late and spreads quickly. This makes it difficult to treat – it’s predicted to become the second leading cause of cancer-related death in the United States by 2030.i  The American Cancer Society estimates about 46,000 people will be diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in the US in 2014.ii

Cancerous pancreatic cysts are hard to catch because they often don’t cause any early symptoms, but improvements in imaging technology are helping physicians find these cysts more frequently. We believe not knowing the nature of a pancreatic cyst may soon become a thing of the past. And improved awareness and better funding will only help physicians diagnose cancer faster.

This November, Mauna Kea Technologies is joining tens of thousands of people around the world in recognizing Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month and the first ever World Pancreatic Cancer Day on November 13th.

International non-profit organizations including the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network in the US and Pancreatic Cancer Action in the UK are coming together to raise awareness, improve research funding, and provide support for individuals and families living with the disease.

Purple Selfie Image
Photo Credit: @ElementalHCare

Here are a few ways you can get involved and show your support this month:

  • Wear purple!

Pancreatic Cancer Action Network has organized “Purple for a Purpose” for World Pancreatic Cancer Day. Celebrities, media influencers, on-air talent and other supporters will wear purple to raise awareness.

  • Use social media!

Pancreatic Cancer Action is asking individuals to take and share a #purplepselfie on social media.

Pancreatic Cancer Action Network invites you to join the “Wage Hope” campaign this month by visiting www.facebook.com/jointhefight and following @PanCAN on Twitter. Actions include changing Facebook profiles and cover photos and sharing and retweeting content.

i Rahib, Lola. “Projecting Cancer Incidence and Deaths to 2030: The Unexpected Burden of Thyroid, Liver, and Pancreas Cancers in the United States.” Cancer Research. Published online May 19, 2014. http://cancerres.aacrjournals.org/content/early/2014/03/25/0008-5472.CAN-14-0155.full.pdf+html.

ii American Cancer Society. “What are the key statistics about pancreatic cancer?” June 11, 2014. http://www.cancer.org/cancer/pancreaticcancer/detailedguide/pancreatic-cancer-key-statistics.

Is There a Link Between Pancreatic Cancer and Good Oral Health?

Posted on by Mauna Kea

Study about oral hygiene and pancreatic cancer
According to a recent study by researchers at Brown University, Forsyth Institute and HarvardUniversity, the health of your mouth could potentially be linked with pancreatic cancer.
The study proved that the oral bacteria Porphyromonas gingivalis is linked with nearly doubling the risk of getting pancreatic cysts and pancreatic cancer. The study included using the health history of more than 405 people with pancreatic cancer and 416 people without pancreatic cancer. Blood samples were drawn from each person and researchers measured the antibodies from 25 different kinds of bacteria.
Research showed a strong link between increased amounts of antibodies against Porphyromonas gingivalis and pancreatic cancer, leading them to believe that cancer was not causing the high antibody levels. The high amount of antibodies against Porphyromonas gingivalis were present for years before the patient developed pancreatic cancer, showing a direct link between poor oral health and pancreatic cancer.
In addition to finding the link between high amounts of antibodies against Porphyromonas gingivalis and pancreatic cancer, researchers also found that there was a 45 percent reduced risk of developing pancreatic cancer if participants had high antibody levels against harmful oral bacteria.
Oral Health Tips
1. Brush your teeth twice a day
2. Practice good technique – Hold your toothbrush at an angle so the toothbrush is pointed towards the area where your tooth meets your gum.
3. Don’t skimp on flossing – Make sure you use at least 18 inches of floss and take it one tooth at a time when flossing.

1 Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, BrownUniversity, Box G-S121-2, Providence, RI02912, USA and2.
2 Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, ImperialCollege, LondonW2 1PG, UK

Healthy Nut Recipe

Posted on by Mauna Kea

Nut consumption and pancreatic cancer
Women’s Hospital and Harvard Medical School1 determined that eating a one-ounce serving of nuts at least twice a week decreases your chance of developing pancreatic pseudocysts and cancerous cysts. Decrease your chances of developing pancreatic cancer with this easy, delicious recipe.
Ingredients:
1. 2 cups puffed brown rice cereal
2. 1 cup dried apricots, cut in quarters
3. 1 cup dried tart cherries
4. 1.5 cups roasted almonds
5. 1/2 cup chopped dark chocolate
6. 2 T unsalted butter
7. 2 T packed brown sugar
8. 1/2 cup honey
9. Sea salt or kosher salt
Directions:
1. Line an 8″x8″ pan with foil and lightly butter
2. In a large bowl, combine puffed brown rice cereal, dried fruits, almonds and chocolate.
3. In a small saucepan, heat butter, brown sugar and honey over medium heat until butter melts. Pour over cereal mixture and stir until completely coated.
4. Spread into prepared 8″x8″ pan and press firmly down. Sprinkle sea salt on top of bars. Chill for about one hour.
 
 
RECIPE SOURCE: WHITEONRICECOUPLE.COM.

Does Soda Consumption Increase Your Chance of Pancreatic Cancer?

Posted on by Mauna Kea

Preventing Pancreatic Cancer
According to a recent report in Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention, there is a direct link between the amount of soda individuals drink and their chance of being diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. “The high levels of sugar in soft drinks may be increasing the level of insulin in the body, which we think contributes to pancreatic cancer cell growth,” said Mark Pereira, senior author of the report on pancreatic cancer and soda intake.
The study, which took place throughout a 14 year period, included following more than 60,000 men and women. Throughout that time, there were 140 reported cases of pancreatic cancer. The individuals who consumed more than two soft drinks per week increased their chance of getting pancreatic cancer by 87 percent.

Healthy Alternatives to Soda

Do you reach for a soda when you’re thirsty? There are healthy options available if you enjoy the sweet, carbonated taste of a soft drink.

1. Flavored Waters

Adding a few slices of your favorite fruit can give your water the extra flavor your drink needs without adding calories or other negative health risks associated with soda.

2. Juice

Though there was a link between soda intake and an increased chance of pancreatic cancer, there was no link to pancreatic cancer and juice. Juice can be refreshing, low in sugar and healthy!

3. Green Tea

Not only does green tea taste great, there are also many health benefits to drinking green tea. Some health benefits include reducing the risk of several types of cancer, reducing hypertension and reducing the risk of heart disease.

Believe you may have an increased chance of being diagnosed with pancreatic cancer? Find out early with Cellvizio Targeted Biopsy.
Noel T. Mueller, Andrew Odegaard, Kristin Anderson, Jian-Min Yuan, Myron Gross, Woon-Puay Koh, and Mark A. Pereira. Soft Drink and Juice Consumption and Risk of Pancreatic Cancer: The Singapore Chinese Health Study. Cancer Epidemiology Biomarkers & Prevention, 2010; 19 (2): 447 DOI:10.1158/1055-9965.EPI-09-0862

The Healthiest Nuts For Pancreatic Cyst Prevention

Posted on by Mauna Kea

Link Between Pancreatic Cancer and Nuts
In a recent study by Women’s Hospital and Harvard Medical School1 it was determined that there is an association between an increase in nut consumption and a decreased risk of pancreatic cysts and cancer.
The study shows that eating a one-ounce serving of nuts at least twice a week decreases your chance of developing a pancreatic pseudocysts, or cancerous cysts.

Five Healthiest Nuts

Here are a few of the healthiest nuts to have for your go-to afternoon snack:

1. Almonds

Almonds are considered a super food because they’re high in Vitamin E, fiber, calcium, zinc and folic acid. They are the most nutrient-dense nut and a tasty snack!

2. Walnuts

Walnuts contain the highest amount of antioxidants. Not only can they help protect you against pancreatic cancer, but they also lower your risk of cardiovascular disease and diabetes.

3. Cashews

Cashews are a great source of magnesium, calcium, vitamin B and folic acid. They also contain twice as much iron as ground beef.

4. Pecans

Pecans are antixodant-rich, making them powerful in protecting you against cancer, Alzheimer’s disease and heart disease.

5. Brazil Nuts

Studies show that Brazil Nuts can protect you against certain cancers, skin disorders and anxiety. Due to the high selenium content, consuming Brazil Nuts even help reduce asthma.
1. Bao Y, Hu FB, Giovannucci EL, Wolpin BM, Stampfer MJ, Willett WC, Fuchs CS. “Nut consumption and risk of pancreatic cancer in women.” PubMed. 26 Nov 2013. www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24149179.

Early Detection of Pancreatic Cysts with Cellvizio

Posted on by Mauna Kea

Pancreatic cysts and pancreatic cancer can be difficult to diagnose in its early stages.
Because pancreatic cancer can spread rapidly, early detection and diagnosis is vital. According to the National Cancer Data Base1, the five year survival rate of people being diagnosed with Stage IIA pancreatic cancer is only seven percent. However, for those who are able to diagnose the existence of cancerous pancreatic cysts at Stage IA have a 14 percent five year survival rate. 1

What are Pancreatic Cysts?

Pancreatic cysts are fluid-filled sacs within your pancreas, a large organ behind the stomach that produces the hormones and enzymes that help digest food. Most pancreatic cysts are not cancerous and only cause mild systems such as:

  • Persistent abdominal and back pain
  • A mass in your upper abdomen that you are able to feel
  • Nausea
  • Jaundice

Because pancreatic cancer often goes undetected, once pancreatic cysts are found a physician may need to biopsy the cysts to check for pre-cancerous and cancerous cells.

How Can I Diagnose Pancreatic Cysts?

Diagnosing cancerous pancreatic cysts is becoming easier because of the improvements in imaging technology.
Cellvizio Targeted Biopsy utilizes the world’s smallest microscope and laser imaging technology in conjunction with today’s endoscopic instruments to examine tissues at a microscopic level.

How is Cellvizio Different Than Other Diagnostic Methods?

Cellvizio enables physicians to visualize the wall of the cyst at the cellular level, making an early cancer diagnosis possible.
Other benefits of Cellvizio Targeted Biopsy include:

  • Timely decision making for the physician
  • Immediate tissue characterization
  • Immediate cell characterization
  • Ability to start treatment early if the cysts is cancerous

Is Cellvizio the Right Procedure for You?

If you need to confirm a diagnosis of pancreatic cysts, contact your physician to find out if Cellvizio Targeted Biopsy is the right procedure for you.

Sources:

  1. http://www.cancer.org/cancer/pancreaticcancer/overviewguide/pancreatic-cancer-overview-survival-rates

 

Cellvizio Targeted Biopsy helped Niloofar Shamloo to go back to her painting with peace of mind

Posted on by Mauna Kea

Niloofar Shamloo is a painter who suddenly fell ill. She was diagnosed with inflammatory bowel disease ulcerative colitis. But doctors feared it could be the sign of something even worse, like pancreatic cancer. Using a confocal endomicroscope, doctors were able to give her a clean bill of health without having to resort to an laboratory invasive biopsy. With Cellvizio Targeted Biopsy, Niloofar Shamloo was able to go back to her painting with peace of mind.
Read more about her experience and watch a video of her story.