Long Island Walk Will Raise Pancreatic Cancer Funds
New York residents will gather at Jones Beach on October 4 to support ongoing research and new treatment access.
Updated on Oct. 3, 2026 in Cancer
Live Poll
Do you believe medical research is making significant progress in improving survival rates for pancreatic cancer?
Participants will convene for the 26th Annual Long Island Walk on October 4, 2026, to support pancreatic cancer research efforts. The event aims to boost resources for patients navigating a condition that the American Cancer Society expects will see over 67,000 new cases in 2026.
Why it matters
Pancreatic cancer currently carries a five-year survival rate of 13%, making funding for clinical trials and early detection methods critical. This walk supports the Lustgarten Foundation's work to accelerate progress toward more effective care options for those diagnosed.
Current research indicates that over 90% of pancreatic cancer cases involve KRAS mutations that promote cellular growth. A study of the FDA-approved drug daraxonrasib demonstrated a survival time of 13.2 months among treated patients, with further trials evaluating its use in combination.
The players
Lustgarten Foundation
A public health organization that funds pancreatic cancer research, early detection studies, and active clinical trials.
American Cancer Society
A national health organization that monitors and projects cancer incidence and mortality data.
The details
The Lustgarten Foundation funds research into therapies targeting cellular mutations like KRAS, which drive tumor growth in the majority of pancreatic cancer cases. New pharmacological approaches, such as the FDA-approved daraxonrasib, aim to disrupt these growth pathways to extend survival time. Ongoing investigations are now focused on whether these new treatments maintain their effectiveness when paired with other therapeutic agents.
Timeline
October 4, 2026: 26th Annual Long Island Walk at Jones Beach State Park.
August 2026: FDA approval of the cancer drug daraxonrasib.
End of 2026: Projected total annual pancreatic cancer cases and deaths.
Health Landscape
This effort aligns with the work of the Lustgarten Foundation, which is currently supporting 15 active clinical trials nationwide to improve pancreatic cancer outcomes. These initiatives reflect a broader shift toward targeted genetic therapies as the primary research frontier in oncology.
Given the survival challenges associated with this diagnosis, early detection remains a critical conversation to have with your physician. If you have a family history of pancreatic cancer, ask your doctor about screening recommendations and what current research suggests regarding genetic risk factors.
The takeaway
Advancements in targeted drugs like daraxonrasib are beginning to alter survival trajectories, though early detection remains the most vital strategy for patients. Stay informed about upcoming clinical trial findings, as these outcomes help shape new standards of care for pancreatic cancer.
Further reading
For more background on the latest diagnostic and treatment developments, visit our Cancer section.
Live Poll
Do you believe medical research is making significant progress in improving survival rates for pancreatic cancer?
