A Pancreatic Cancer Educational Webinar Series
Clinical trials play a critical role in advancing pancreatic cancer research—yet they’re often misunderstood,
under-discussed, or introduced too late in a patient’s journey.
Clinical Trials Explained: Know Your Options is a multi-episode educational series designed to empower
patients, caregivers, families, and advocates with clear, practical information about pancreatic cancer clinical trials.
This series is presented by Sky Foundation, Inc. in partnership with TriCan Health,
bringing together researchers, oncologists, navigators, and patient advocates to help you understand your options at every stage.
Why This Series Matters
Every treatment available today was once part of a clinical trial. But clinical trials don’t begin overnight—before a trial starts,
research must be funded, tested, and validated.
Sky Foundation helps plant the early “seeds” by funding innovative research that can move from the lab to larger studies and,
ultimately, to clinical trials—creating real options for patients and families.
Research → Seed Funding → Clinical Trials → New Treatment Options
Episode Overview
Episode #1: Clinical Trials 101 — Understanding the Basics
A clear overview of what pancreatic cancer clinical trials are and how they work—plus how research moves from lab discoveries to patient care.
- Bench-to-bedside: how research becomes clinical trials
- The role of seed funding in early-stage research
- What “standard of care” means
- Common myths about clinical trials
- When clinical trials should be considered in care decisions
Watch: Episode 1: Clinical Trials 101 — Understanding the Basics
Episode #2: Understanding Clinical Trials — How to Find Them
A practical guide to searching for pancreatic cancer trials and understanding what happens after you identify a potential option.
- Key elements of a trial (phase, eligibility, groups, enrollment size)
- How to search for trials and narrow your options
- What happens after you identify a trial (contacting sites, screening)
- How to prepare and what to expect during participation
Watch: Register to watch here
Episode #3: Michigan Clinical Trials
Hear directly from Michigan institutions about pancreatic cancer clinical trials currently enrolling—plus how patients can access options across systems.
- Overview of active, enrolling trials in Michigan
- What makes these trials promising right now
- Access across institutions and timelines for participants
- Why asking about trial options early matters
Registration: Register to watch here
Episode #4: Discovery & Encrollment
Step-by-step guidance for patients and caregivers navigating eligibility, enrollment, and preparation for trial screening.
- What to ask your doctor and how eligibility really works
- What records to gather and how to prepare for outreach
- What screening and enrollment typically look like
- Why promising drugs must go through clinical trials
Registration: Register to watch here
Episode #5: A Patient Perspective
A patient-focused panel sharing real clinical trial experiences—from asking about trials to enrollment to life after treatment.
- How patients found and enrolled in clinical trials
- What participation looked like day-to-day
- Debunking myths and building self-advocacy
- Extended Q&A
Registration: Register to watch here
Episode #6: Prevention, Genetics & Early Detection
Clinical trials are not only for patients in active treatment. This episode focuses on prevention, genetics, and early detection trials for
high-risk individuals, family members, and communities historically underrepresented in research.
- Prevention and screening clinical trials: what they look like
- Genetic and family-risk research opportunities
- Why representation improves research and patient outcomes
- Who may be eligible—family members, genetic carriers, high-risk populations
Registration: Register to watch here
Who Should Attend
- Pancreatic cancer patients
- Caregivers and family members
- High-risk individuals and genetic carriers
- Community advocates and supporters
- Anyone seeking a clearer understanding of pancreatic cancer clinical trials
Presented By
Sky Foundation, Inc. is a Michigan based, nonprofit organization founded by pancreatic cancer survivor, Sheila Sky Kasselman. Sky raises awareness and funds innovative research for the early detection and treatment of pancreatic cancer.
TriCan Health is driven by a simple mission: to give every cancer patient the opportunity to access potentially life-saving clinical trials by making participation clearer, simpler, and more accessible. TriCan Health envisions a future where clinical trials are a realistic option for every cancer patient, not just a last resort for the few who how to find them.
Watch. Learn. Know Your Options.
Clinical trials are not just a last resort. They are a pathway to innovation, access, and hope.
Questions? Contact our team: Annie@SkyFoundationInc.org