Monday, June 06, 2016 A unique partnership between the Canadian Cancer Trials Group and the 7 Days in May Foundation has resulted in over $145,000 being raised for the PA.6 pancreatic cancer trial. This is the fourth year the Foundation has organized a seven-day bike ride around Lake Ontario, 7 Days in May, to raise money for pancreatic cancer research, and the third time it has donated the proceeds to the Canadian Cancer Trials Group. The PA.6 trial - A Multicentre Randomized Phase III Trial Comparing 6-Month Adjuvant Chemotherapy With Gemcitabine Versus 5-fluorouracil, Leucovorin, Irinotecan and Oxaliplatin (mFolfirinox) In Patients With Resected Pancreatic Adenocarcinoma - is an exciting clinical trial that is currently enrolling patients who have completed their surgery for pancreatic cancer. The purpose of the study is to compare gemcitabine to a new chemotherapy treatment called FOLFIRINOX that researchers believe may provide a higher chance of cure. This study is being done to determine whether FOLFIRINOX is more effective than gemcitabine in prolonging survival, and whether FOLFIRINOX is a safe and tolerable treatment. Dr. James Biagi, PA.6 trial co-chair, was on-hand on May 30th 2016 to thank the 7 Days in May Foundation for its very generous donation. The Foundation was set up in memory of Mrs. Lorraine Townley, Gord's mother, who was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in December 2009 at the age of 83. Throughout her two-year battle, Lorraine remained a brave advocate for others afflicted with this aggressive form of cancer by participating in clinical trials. Her hope was to give young people diagnosed with pancreatic cancer a better chance of survival than she had. Lorraine lost her battle in November 2011. 7 Days In May is an annual cycling event hosted by the Townley Family in memory of Lorraine to continue her legacy by raising the awareness and funds necessary to cure pancreatic cancer. All proceeds will be directed towards clinical trials and other direct studies focused on early detection and a cure as well as providing support and education for those impacted by the disease. The Canadian Cancer Trials Group wishes to sincerely thank the 7 Days in May Foundation and the 7 Days in May Riders for their commitment to pancreatic cancer research. For more information about the 7 Days in May Foundation and the 7 Days in May ride, please see the following link: http://7daysinmay.com/.
