For families facing pancreatic cancer, every breakthrough represents something deeply personal: more time, more hope and a reason to believe progress is possible.
Pancreatic cancer does not discriminate by age, race, ethnicity or gender. It has taken the lives of people as young as 30 in perfect health. It could happen to any one of us.
That is why the results presented at this year’s American Society of Clinical Oncology’s Annual Meeting are so encouraging. Researchers reported in Phase 3 clinical data, the new drug daraxonrasib nearly doubled survival and reduced the risk of death by 60% for patients with previously treated metastatic pancreatic cancer, which is a remarkable advance against one of the deadliest cancers.
At the Rolfe Pancreatic Cancer Foundation, we know breakthroughs like this do not happen overnight. They are built on years of investment in innovative science, collaboration among researchers and the willingness to fund bold ideas before success is certain. That belief is at the heart of our mission to support groundbreaking research, particularly in early detection, while providing patients and families with the resources and hope they need throughout their journey.
This progress should also serve as a reminder to policymakers. Medical innovation depends on an environment that encourages sustained research and development. Policies that weaken incentives to invest in biomedical research ultimately put future breakthroughs and future patients at risk.
For the more than 67,000 Americans diagnosed with pancreatic cancer each year, scientific progress cannot come soon enough. Every new therapy builds on decades of research and brings us one step closer to a future where pancreatic cancer is detected earlier, treated more effectively and, ultimately, no longer a devastating diagnosis.
Pancreatic cancer is personal to us, which is why we believe every scientific breakthrough matters. We are committed to advancing research and supporting patients and families because today’s discoveries create tomorrow’s hope for earlier detection, more effective treatments and better outcomes.
Stacia Hart, executive director, Rolfe Pancreatic Cancer Foundation
Ammons’ indictment exposes electoral flaws
As a University of Illinois student, I voted for state Rep. Carol Ammons, D-Urbana, twice while living in Champaign-Urbana. She built her reputation as an advocate for students, higher education and the local community. That’s what makes the allegations against her so disappointing.
Federal prosecutors allege Ammons directed state grant funding to nonprofits that employed her daughter despite being warned it created an impermissible conflict of interest. They also allege Ammons and her husband, Champaign County Clerk Aaron Ammons, later sought to obstruct the federal investigation.
Public office depends on trust. Once that trust is broken, it’s incredibly difficult to restore.
If the allegations are true, funding that should have benefited the Champaign-Urbana community instead became a vehicle to benefit one political family. Students and taxpayers deserved better from someone who campaigned on serving them.
Carol Ammons’ indictment also exposes a larger problem. Illinois still relies too heavily on the honor system when it comes to ethics, and accountability at the ballot box has also been lacking. Since taking office in 2014 as a state representative, Ammons has faced just three challengers, including primary elections. She has never received less than 60% of the vote in a general election and has run unopposed in most of her races.
When elections aren’t competitive, voters have fewer opportunities to hold elected officials accountable before problems escalate. Illinois needs stronger conflict-of-interest laws, an independent legislative watchdog and an independent redistricting commission that gives voters meaningful choices instead of protecting incumbents.
The state’s voters deserve representatives who earn their trust and a system that holds them accountable when they don’t.
Micky Horstman, communications manager, Illinois Policy
Men’s behavior — not women’s — must change to stop rapes
There was one item in Robert Herguth’s recent Sun-Times story about the sexual assaults associated with the Country Thunder music festival that was the most terrifying: Kenosha County’s board of supervisors chairman Mark Nordigian encouraging female concertgoers to engage in a “buddy system” to protect themselves during the event in his community.
Female concertgoers are not the ones who need to change their behavior. How about suggesting a buddy system for male concertgoers to, you know, stop raping?
Don Anderson, Oak Park
Paying attention
I spent my younger years living with the possibility of being drafted. I wonder if today’s young men know automatic military draft registration will be starting in December.
Men between 18 to 26 are already supposed to register for selective service in case a draft is required.
But soon, the responsibility for registering “will shift from individual men to SSS through integration with federal data sources,” according to the Selective Service System.
Hey guys, you better get off those useless apps and get involved in our political process before you find yourself marching off to fight some mindless war.
Warren Rodgers Jr., Orland Park
U.S. military deaths
‘Mr.’ President, how many U.S. service members must die before you determine your criminal war on Iran has failed and must be ended on Iran’s sensible terms?’
Walt Zlotow, Glen Ellyn
Unintentional comedy
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt deserves plaudits and should consider a career in comedy for delivering the funniest one-liner of the year: “There are very strict ethical guidelines here at the White House.”
Larry Niemi, Loop
Big daddy
Vice President JD Vance says because of the importance of his job, he won’t take paternity leave after the birth of his fourth child.
Maybe the prospect of changing diapers was also a factor. Then again, the Vances can afford to hire an au pair. Or two.
Dan McGuire, Bensenville