Hope in Tailored Care: Personalized Vaccines for Pancreatic Cancer

Host: Mindy McCulley, MS Family and Consumer Sciences Extension Specialist for Instructional Support, University of Kentucky

Guest: Dr. Joseph Kim, MD Professor and Chief of Surgical Oncology, University of Kentucky Markey Cancer Center

Cancer Conversations Episode 69

Cancer Conversations on Talking FACS welcomes Dr. Joseph Kim, Professor and Chief of Surgical Oncology at the University of Kentucky, to discuss pancreatic cancer — a rising and deadly disease. They cover why pancreatic cancer is often detected late, common symptoms such as jaundice, the role of family history, and the single most important modifiable risk factor: smoking.

The episode highlights an exciting individualized vaccine approach using tumor sequencing to create patient-specific vaccines sent from Europe after surgical removal of resectable tumors — intended to prevent or delay recurrence rather than prevent the initial disease. Eligibility, limitations (must be surgically removable), and the broader potential for vaccine technology in other cancers are explained.

Listeners will learn practical takeaways:

• seek medical attention for persistent or new symptoms,
• discuss family history and risk with providers, and
• learn about ongoing clinical trials and resources at UK Markey Cancer Center for patients in Kentucky and surrounding areas.

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