Our Mission

The Rolfe Foundation serves as a catalyst for the early diagnosis and ultimate cure of pancreatic cancer by funding advanced medical research, public awareness initiatives, and educational programs.  The Foundation also seeks to increase the quality and quantity of emotional and psychological support services for pancreatic cancer patients and their families through partnerships with organizations that specialize in this type of care.

OUR GOALS ARE TO:

Advance the development of early detection.

Just as there is an early detection test for prostate cancer, the PSA, we support researchers working to develop a similar diagnostic test for pancreatic cancer in its early stage, when it's most treatable.

Fund medical research at leading clinical and academic centers.

The number of scientific investigators with a demonstrated focus on pancreatic cancer is limited, relative to other cancers. We raise money for top-tier research institutions that can attract more scientists dedicated to pancreatic cancer research.

Provide resources for pancreatic cancer patients, their families and friends.

It's not always easy to find information about pancreatic cancer. The Rolfe Foundation is a link to people and places for answers about this disease.

Click Here to see Randy Pausch's inspirational "Last Lecture" at Carnegie Mellon University. Dr. Pausch has been diagnosed with Pancreatic Cancer and has been a strong advocate for increased funding for Pancreatic Cancer research.

Medical News

Smaller Pancreatic Tumors Greatly Increase Prognosis

The odds of surviving cancer of the pancreas increase dramatically for patients whose tumors are smallest, according to a new study by researchers at Saint Louis University and M.D. Anderson Cancer Center in Houston – the first study to specifically evaluate the link between tumor size and survival rates for one of the most common and deadly cancers.

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Another Reason to Drink Red Wine

University of Rochester researchers showed for the first time that a natural antioxidant found in grape skins and red wine can help destroy pancreatic cancer cells by reaching to the cell's core energy source, or mitochondria, in crippling its function. For more information, click below.
 
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A Taste of Prevention

Diets rich in fruits and vegetables are often suggested to lower cholesterol.  Three studies recently presented at the American Association of Cancer Research show other benefits, lowering the chances of developing pancreatic, breast, neck and ovarian cancers. Tracking the eating habits of over 180,000 people in California and Hawaii one study found a 23% lower risk of developing pancreatic cancer among those eating a diet high in flavanols. Apples, berries, broccoli, onions and kale have the largest amount of flavonols.

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Promising Markers 

Scientists at Ohio State University reported the ability to distinguish malignant from benign pancreatic tissue.  They examined pancreatic cancer cells focusing on tiny molecules called microRNA that appear to be distinctive from nearby non-cancerous  or inflamed cells. Their encouraging study published in the May 2, 2007 Journal of the American Medical Association indicates a better method to predict survival and may lead to earlier detection.


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Dental Health and Pancreatic Cancer

A study released in January 2007 by researchers at the Harvard School of Public Health and researchers at the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute found a link between gum disease and an increased risk for pancreatic cancer.

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Vaccine Studied

Click here to read more about this study .