MEDICAL AND ACADEMIC FUNDING

Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions (Baltimore, MD)
Since 2000 the Foundation has provided crucial support to the Pancreatic Cancer Early Detection Laboratory. Researchers here focus on cutting-edge technologies in an effort to discover new markers for pancreatic cancer. The two main approaches involve molecular and protein changes associated with cancer. Gene mutations and the development of a mouse model of "familial pancreatic cancer" and a screening tool for the discovery of new genes are also under investigation. The foundation also created the Michael Rolfe Endowment to sustain early detection research. 

Northshore University Health System (Evanston, IL)
Using novel non-invasive imaging techniques, researchers are trying to detect pre-malignant growths among patients with a family history of pancreatic cancer. These tests may provide a baseline for physicians as they monitor high-risk patients or detect the disease in its earliest most treatable stages. 

Northwestern Memorial Hospital and the Feinberg School of Medicine of Northwestern University (Chicago, IL)
Beginning in 2002 the Foundation distributed funds to start-up a new research lab headed by a distinguished young investigator as well as providing money for ongoing work within the Department of Surgery.

Currently Northwestern hosts the Michael Rolfe Endowed Research Lecture each November in conjunction with the annual meeting of the American Pancreatic Association and National Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month.

Ohio State University (Columbus, OH)
In partnership with the Lustgarten Foundation for Pancreatic Cancer Research the Rolfe Foundation is funding MicroRna Profiling. Thomas Schmittgen, PhD is the investigator leading the effort to develop a pancreatic cancer early detection test using the serum of patients that identifies a specific MicroRna that may act as a marker for malignant pancreatic cancer tissue. The goal is to produce a blood test to predict whether a patient is at risk for developing this disease. 

University of Chicago (Chicago, IL)
The focus of this 2007 partnership is to develop a molecular fingerprint to be used as an early detection tool for pre-malignant and invasive pancreatic cancer. Researchers in the University's Gastrointestinal Cancer Prevention and Control program are collaborating with investigators across the institution's campus to stimulate enhanced genetic risk assessment, detection and treatment.

Note:  This links to a .pdf that details our partnership on Page 8.