The patterns, said Hopkins researcher Scott Kern, an assistant professor of pathology, can help narrow his search for the genetic origins of pancreatic cancer. The information and blood and tissue samples in the registry also will help other researchers working on improved diagnostic tests and genetic therapies for the cancer. The presence of a very experienced multidisciplinary team of surgical and scientific specialists makes Hopkins an ideal location for the pancreatic cancer registry, Dr. Hruban said. The registry will send a detailed questionnaire and requests for tissue samples to the patient and their family. The National Familial Pancreas Tumor Registry is funded by grants from the National Institutes of Health and the departments of Surgery and Pathology at The Johns Hopkins Hospital.
Pancreatic cancers are the fifth-deadliest form of cancer.
Famous victims include the actor Michael Landon and the mother, brother and sister of former President Jimmy Carter. Landon's son, Michael Landon Jr., has enrolled in the registry and publicly endorsed it. The plans for the restoration will be developed by local architect John Brunnett, and construction phases will be coordinated by the mansion's current occupant, Civic Works, an Americorp program. At his death in 1873, Hopkins had acquired 330 acres of land around his home, which he cultivated extensively with fields, groomed lawns, orchards and graperies. He also expanded the original house in an Italian villa style, adding a third story with its prominent tower, and built numerous outbuildings.