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Chemotherapy is the only systemic treatment approved for pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), with a selection of regimens based on patients' performance status and expected efficacy. The establishment of a potent stratification associated with chemotherapeutic efficacy could potentially improve prognosis by tailoring treatments., SCOPUS: ar.j, info:eu-repo/semantics/published

BACKGROUND: Patients with a germline BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutation make up a small subgroup of those with metastatic pancreatic cancer. The poly(adenosine diphosphate-ribose) polymerase (PARP) inhibitor olaparib has had antitumor activity in this population. METHODS: We conducted a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, phase 3 trial to evaluate the efficacy of olaparib as maintenance therapy in patients who had a germline BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutation and metastatic pancreatic cancer and disease that had not progressed during first-line platinum-based chemotherapy. Patients were randomly assigned, in a 3:2 ratio, to receive maintenance olaparib tablets (300 mg twice daily) or placebo. The primary end point was progression-free survival, which was assessed by blinded independent central review. RESULTS: Of the 3315 patients who underwent screening, 154 underwent randomization and were assigned to a trial intervention (92 to receive olaparib and 62 to receive placebo). The median progression-free survival was significantly longer in the olaparib group than in the placebo group (7.4 months vs. 3.8 months; hazard ratio for disease progression or death, 0.53; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.35 to 0.82; P = 0.004). An interim analysis of overall survival, at a data maturity of 46%, showed no difference between the olaparib and placebo groups (median, 18.9 months vs. 18.1 months; hazard ratio for death, 0.91; 95% CI, 0.56 to 1.46; P = 0.68). There was no significant between-group difference in health-related quality of life, as indicated by the overall change from baseline in the global quality-of-life score (on a 100-point scale, with higher scores indicating better quality of life) based on the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire (between-group difference, -2.47 points; 95% CI, -7.27 to 2.33). The incidence of grade 3 or higher adverse events was 40% in the olaparib group and 23% in the placebo group (between-group differe

Magnetic sensing technology has found widespread application in a diverse set of industries including transportation, medicine, and resource exploration. These uses often require highly sensitive instruments to measure the extremely small magnetic fields involved, relying on difficult-to-integrate superconducting quantum interference devices and spin-exchange relaxation-free magnetometers. A potential alternative, nitrogen-vacancy (NV) centers in diamond, has shown great potential as a high-sensitivity and high-resolution magnetic sensor capable of operating in an unshielded, room-temperature environment. Transitioning NV center-based sensors into practical devices, however, is impeded by the need for high-power radio frequency (RF) excitation to manipulate them. We report an advance that combines two different physical phenomena to enable a highly efficient excitation of the NV centers: magnetoelastic drive of ferromagnetic resonance and NV-magnon coupling. Our work demonstrates a new pathway that combine acoustics and magnonics that enables highly energy-efficient and local excitation of NV centers without the need for any external RF excitation and, thus, could lead to completely integrated, on-chip, atomic sensors.

The primary tumor side is emerging as a prognostic factor for patients with liver metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC). In a combined analysis of data from 2 randomized studies, the addition of selective internal radiation therapy to first-line chemotherapy in patients with mCRC was associated with statistically and clinically significant overall survival gains for patients with a right-sided primary tumor. Background(s): The primary tumor side is emerging as a major prognostic factor for patients with metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC). We examined the survival data from 2 randomized studies to determine whether the outcomes differ between patients with mCRC with right-sided primary (RSP) tumors and those with left-sided primary (LSP) tumors after selective internal radiation therapy (SIRT) plus mFOLFOX6 (folinic acid [leucovorin], 5-fluorouracil, oxaliplatin) chemotherapy, versus chemotherapy alone. Patients and Methods: Separate and combined analyses were performed on the data from the SIRFLOX and FOXFIRE global trials, which compared chemotherapy plus SIRT with chemotherapy alone for patients with mCRC liver metastases. The primary tumor side data were prospectively collected. The principal outcome measure was overall survival (OS) stratified by treatment and primary tumor side. Result(s): In the combined analysis of all 739 patients enrolled, SIRT had no effect on OS (median OS, 24.3 vs. 24.6 months; hazard ratio [HR], 1.021; P =.810). For the 179 patients (24.2%) with a RSP tumor, OS was improved with the addition of SIRT (median, 22.0 vs. 17.1 months HR, 0.641; P =.008). The addition of SIRT was not associated with a significant difference in OS among the 540 patients with a LSP tumor (median, 24.6 vs. 26.6 months; HR, 1.120; P =.264). A test of treatment interaction by primary tumor side was statistically significant for RSP and SIRT (P =.002). Conclusion(s): The addition of SIRT for patients with RSP tumors, but not for those with LSP tumors, was associated

The primary tumor side is emerging as a prognostic factor for patients with liver metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC). In a combined analysis of data from 2 randomized studies, the addition of selective internal radiation therapy to first-line chemotherapy in patients with mCRC was associated with statistically and clinically significant overall survival gains for patients with a right-sided primary tumor. Background(s): The primary tumor side is emerging as a major prognostic factor for patients with metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC). We examined the survival data from 2 randomized studies to determine whether the outcomes differ between patients with mCRC with right-sided primary (RSP) tumors and those with left-sided primary (LSP) tumors after selective internal radiation therapy (SIRT) plus mFOLFOX6 (folinic acid [leucovorin], 5-fluorouracil, oxaliplatin) chemotherapy, versus chemotherapy alone. Patients and Methods: Separate and combined analyses were performed on the data from the SIRFLOX and FOXFIRE global trials, which compared chemotherapy plus SIRT with chemotherapy alone for patients with mCRC liver metastases. The primary tumor side data were prospectively collected. The principal outcome measure was overall survival (OS) stratified by treatment and primary tumor side. Result(s): In the combined analysis of all 739 patients enrolled, SIRT had no effect on OS (median OS, 24.3 vs. 24.6 months; hazard ratio [HR], 1.021; P =.810). For the 179 patients (24.2%) with a RSP tumor, OS was improved with the addition of SIRT (median, 22.0 vs. 17.1 months HR, 0.641; P =.008). The addition of SIRT was not associated with a significant difference in OS among the 540 patients with a LSP tumor (median, 24.6 vs. 26.6 months; HR, 1.120; P =.264). A test of treatment interaction by primary tumor side was statistically significant for RSP and SIRT (P =.002). Conclusion(s): The addition of SIRT for patients with RSP tumors, but not for those with LSP tumors, was associated

Magnetic sensing technology has found widespread application in a diverse set of industries including transportation, medicine, and resource exploration. These uses often require highly sensitive instruments to measure the extremely small magnetic fields involved, relying on difficult-to-integrate superconducting quantum interference devices and spin-exchange relaxation-free magnetometers. A potential alternative, nitrogen-vacancy (NV) centers in diamond, has shown great potential as a high-sensitivity and high-resolution magnetic sensor capable of operating in an unshielded, room-temperature environment. Transitioning NV center-based sensors into practical devices, however, is impeded by the need for high-power radio frequency (RF) excitation to manipulate them. We report an advance that combines two different physical phenomena to enable a highly efficient excitation of the NV centers: magnetoelastic drive of ferromagnetic resonance and NV-magnon coupling. Our work demonstrates a new pathway that combine acoustics and magnonics that enables highly energy-efficient and local excitation of NV centers without the need for any external RF excitation and, thus, could lead to completely integrated, on-chip, atomic sensors.

In a phase III trial in patients with advanced, well-differentiated, progressive pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors, sunitinib 37.5 mg/day improved investigator-assessed progression-free survival (PFS) versus placebo (11.4 vs. 5.5 months; HR, 0.42; P < 0.001). Here, we present PFS using retrospective blinded independent central review (BICR) and final median overall survival (OS), including an assessment highlighting the impact of patient crossover from placebo to sunitinib.

© 2016. Journal of Gastrointestinal Oncology. Background: Dose modifications following adverse events (AEs) are an important part of the management of patients with pancreatic cancer treated with chemotherapy. While dose modifications are utilized to ensure patient safety, the subsequent influence of dose adjustments on treatment exposure and efficacy have not been reported in detail. This exploratory analysis examined the influence of dose modifications on treatment exposure and efficacy in the phase III MPACT trial, which demonstrated superior efficacy of nab-paclitaxel (nab-P) plus gemcitabine (Gem) to Gem alone for the treatment of metastatic pancreatic cancer. Methods: Patients received either nab-P 125 mg/m2 + Gem 1,000 mg/m2 on days 1, 8, and 15 every 4 weeks or Gem 1,000 mg/m2 weekly for the first 7 of 8 weeks (cycle 1) and then days 1, 8, and 15 every 4 weeks (cycle ≥ 2). The protocol allowed up to 2 dose reductions per agent. Dose delays were also used to manage toxicities. Results: Toxicities that most commonly led to dose modifications were neutropenia, peripheral neuropathy, thrombocytopenia, and fatigue for nab-P and neutropenia, thrombocytopenia, and fatigue for Gem alone. Baseline characteristics were similar in patients with dose modifications and the intent-to-treat (ITT) population. Among the 421 treated patients in the nab-P + Gem arm, all patients initiated treatment at the per-protocol nab-P starting dose of 125 mg/m2; 172 (41%) had a nab-P dose reduction, and 300 (71%) had a nab-P dose delay during the study. Most dose modifications occurred after the first 3 months (2 cycles) of treatment. The majority of patients (104/172, 60%) required only 1 nab-P dose reduction, and over half of patients (163/300) had either 1 or 2 dose delays. Patients who underwent dose modifications of nab-P had greater treatment exposure than those who did not in terms of treatment duration, number of cycles administered, and cumulative dose of nab-P delivered. Overal

Background: The management of locally advanced pancreatic cancer (LAPC) patients remains controversial. Better discrimination for overall survival (OS) at diagnosis is needed. We address this issue by developing and validating a prognostic nomogram and a score for OS in LAPC (PROLAP). Methods: Analyses were derived from 442 LAPC patients enrolled in the LAP07 trial. The prognostic ability of 30 baseline parameters was evaluated using univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses. Performance assessment and internal validation of the final model were done with Harrell's C-index, calibration plot and bootstrap sample procedures. On the basis of the final model, a prognostic nomogram and a score were developed, and externally validated in 106 consecutive LAPC patients treated in Besançon Hospital, France. Results: Age, pain, tumour size, albumin and CA 19-9 were independent prognostic factors for OS. The final model had good calibration, acceptable discrimination (C-index=0.60) and robust internal validity. The PROLAP score has the potential to delineate three different prognosis groups with median OS of 15.4, 11.7 and 8.5 months (log-rank P<0.0001). The score ability to discriminate OS was externally confirmed in 63 (59%) patients with complete clinical data derived from a data set of 106 consecutive LAPC patients; median OS of 18.3, 14.1 and 7.6 months for the three groups (log-rank P<0.0001). Conclusions: The PROLAP nomogram and score can accurately predict OS before initiation of induction chemotherapy in LAPC-untreated patients. They may help to optimise clinical trials design and might offer the opportunity to define risk-Adapted strategies for LAPC management in the future.

Background: Positive findings from the phase III MPACT trial led to the regulatory approval of nab-paclitaxel plus gemcitabine as a treatment option for patients with metastatic pancreatic cancer. This report is an update of overall survival (OS) based on longer follow-up. Methods: Patients (n = 861) with metastatic pancreatic cancer and a Karnofsky performance status of 70 or greater were randomly assigned one to one to receive nab-paclitaxel + gemcitabine or gemcitabine alone. Efficacy data for this post hoc analysis were collected through May 9, 2013. Exploratory analyses of carbohydrate antigen 19-9 (CA19-9) and neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) were conducted. The primary efficacy endpoint was OS, which was analyzed for all randomly assigned patients by the Kaplan-Meier method. All statistical tests were two-sided. Results: The median OS was statistically significantly longer for nab-paclitaxel plus gemcitabine vs gemcitabine alone (8.7 vs 6.6 months, hazard ratio [HR] = 0.72, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.62 to 0.83, P <. 001). Long-term (>three-year) survivors were identified in the nab-paclitaxel plus gemcitabine arm only (4%). In pooled treatment arm analyses, higher CA19-9 level and NLR at baseline were statistically significantly associated with worse OS. There appeared to be a treatment effect for OS favoring nab-paclitaxel plus gemcitabine over gemcitabine alone in poor-prognosis subgroups defined by these factors (HR = 0.612, P <. 001 for CA19-9 level ≥ median and HR = 0.81, P =. 079 for NLR > 5). Conclusions: These data confirm and extend the primary report of OS, supporting the superior efficacy of nab-paclitaxel plus gemcitabine over gemcitabine alone. Subgroup analyses support the relevance of CA 19-9 and NLR as prognostic markers in metastatic pancreatic cancer.

We summarize the key advances resulting from our research program supported by ARO award W911NF-09-1-0147 between July 15, 2009 and July 14, 2013. We have used ultra-sensitive Magnetic Resonance Force Microscopy detection Electron Spin Resonance, using (ESRMRFM), to perform spatially resolved scanned probe studies of spin dynamics in nanoscale ensembles of few electron spins of varying size. Our research culminated in observation that the distinction between two channels of energy flow from and within a spin system, typically characterized the spin-lattice relaxation time T_1 and the spin-spin relaxation time T_2 that are rigorously distinct in macroscopic systems become indistinguishable in nanoscale systems. This is because spin transport mediated by mutual spin flip-flop diffusion---arising from a T_2-like process---in a nanoscale quasi-1D spin nanowire can transfer energy from the measured spin system to the thermal reservoir outside the measured volume---behavior typical of T_1 processes. The spin nanowire we created in diamond by means of patterned nitrogen ion implantation represents an intriguing prototype element of a spintronic device in an attractive and widely used wide band gap semiconductor. ESR-MRFM, a scanned probe method capable of spatially resolved magnetic resonance detection, offers a powerful approach to understanding the spin properties and dynamics in the device-like environments where their dynamics and lifetime will be influenced by nanoscale confinement. Our theoretical model that explains the observed spin dynamics in confined nanoscale spin structures are supported by extensive numerical modeling that agree well with our experimental data. Using our understanding of the electron spin dynamics in confined nanoscale structures, we developed an improved measurement protocol, pi-OSCAR, that we that we used to demonstrate spectroscopic measurements on nanoscale spin ensembles of few electron spins. Our demonstration of nanoscale

Prognosis of patients with pancreatic adenocarcinoma is poor. Many prognostic biomarkers have been tested, but most studies included heterogeneous patients. We aimed to investigate the prognostic and/or predictive values of four relevant biomarkers in a multicentric cohort of patients., Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't, SCOPUS: ar.j, info:eu-repo/semantics/published

We describe the accomplishments of the collaborative research project performed at Ohio State University (OSU) and the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (UIUC) with the support of ARO MURI grant W911NF-05-1-0414 between August 1, 2004 and July 31, 2009. Frequent interactions with Dan Rugar (IBM Almaden) have contributed significantly to our research. Our primary goal-single nuclear spin Magnetic Resonance Force Microscopy (MRFM)-calls for ultrasensitive detection as signal forces will be below 1 aN. We report several foundational accomplishments central to the achievement of this extraordinary sensitivity and development of methods for applying this technique to scientifically and technologically important problems. The primary milestones include but are not limited to: 1. Mitigation of sample-induced noise to enable sensitive ESR-MRFM detection of 2.3 electron spins in a 0.20 Hz bandwidth 2. Application of ultra-sensitive ESR-MRFM to the study of electron spin relaxation in spin ensembles containing of order 100 electron spins 3. Advances in development and characterization of semiconducting (Si) nanowires as next-generation ultrasensitive force detectors 4. Demonstration of high sensitivity Cu NMR measurements in technologically important layered metallic systems We have transferred expertise and technology for high sensitivity scanned probe magnetic resonance detection to DOD and DOE labs needing state-of-the-art spin imaging capabilities; these include the Naval Research Lab (NRL) and Los Alamos National Lab. In work not directly supported by this grant, these projects advanced MRFM detected Ferromagnetic Resonance (FMR) to enable studies of submicron magnetic structures having relevance to magnetoelectronics, magnetic field sensors and the magnetic data storage., Prepared in cooperation with University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. The original document contains color images.

This report presents research funded under ARO grant DAAD19-02-1-0310 and conducted during the time period of 07/15/2002 - 07/14/2006. In the course of this research we have made major advancements in the development of Magnetic Resonance Force Microscopy (MRFM) on the way towards its application as a single spin readout for the silicon-based quantum computer. The main achievement of this work is the demonstration of electron spin resonance (ESR) signal detection using MRFM with a sensitivity of better than ten fully polarized electron spins. This exceptional sensitivity was enabled by several advances in ultra sensitive MRFM detection: detection of ESR signal with sensitivity of less than ten fully polarized electron spins, detection of the ESR signal of phosphorus donors in doped Si, demonstration of high magnetic field gradients from rare-earth nanomagnetic probe tips, fabrication of ultrasensitive MRFM force sensing cantilevers, development of light-free cantilever displacement-detection techniques, theoretical understanding of cantilever induced spin relaxation and of the MRFM probe-sample interaction, construction of novel MRFM equipment, and preparation of patterned samples for detection of phosphorus ESR in Si., The original document contains color images.

The magnetic-resonance force microscope (MRFM) is a novel scanned probe instrument which combines the three-dimensional (3-D) imaging capabilities of magnetic-resonance imaging with the high sensitivity and resolution of atomic-force microscopy. It will enable nondestructive, chemical-specific, high-resolution microscopic studies and imaging of subsurface properties of a broad range of materials. The MRFM has demonstrated its utility for study of microscopic ferromagnets, and it will enable microscopic understanding of the nonequilibrium spin polarization resulting from spin injection. Microscopic MRFM studies will provide unprecedented insight into the physics of magnetic and spin-based materials. We will describe the principles and the state-of-the-art in magnetic-resonance force microscopy, discuss existing cryogenic MRFM instruments incorporating high-Q, single-crystal microresonators with integral submicrometer probe magnets, and indicate future directions for enhancing MRFM instrument capabilities.

The magnetic-resonance force microscope (MRFM) is a novel scanned probe instrument which combines the three-dimensional (3-D) imaging capabilities of magnetic-resonance imaging with the high sensitivity and resolution of atomic-force microscopy. It will enable nondestructive, chemical-specific, high-resolution microscopic studies and imaging of subsurface properties of a broad range of materials. The MRFM has demonstrated its utility for study of microscopic ferromagnets, and it will enable microscopic understanding of the nonequilibrium spin polarization resulting from spin injection. Microscopic MRFM studies will provide unprecedented insight into the physics of magnetic and spin-based materials. We will describe the principles and the state-of-the-art in magnetic-resonance force microscopy, discuss existing cryogenic MRFM instruments incorporating high-Q, single-crystal microresonators with integral submicrometer probe magnets, and indicate future directions for enhancing MRFM instrument capabilities.

We demonstrate spatial resolution of ferromagnetic resonance in a microscopic sample of YIG using ferromagnetic resonance force microscopy (FMRFM). Measurements were performed on a small single crystal YIG film grown on a GGG substrate, roughly rectangular in shape 20 µm×~150 µm and 3 µm thick. The perpendicular and parallel force geometries of FMRFM, in conjunction with an external bias field both parallel and perpendicular to the film, were used to scan the sample. This enabled the detection of strong signals, even at atmospheric pressure and room temperature. The fundamental and higher-order magnetostatic modes were observed to have 26–29 Gauss separation. The intensity of these modes exhibited spatial variation as the magnetic tip was scanned over the sample, and this behavior is qualitatively explained by DE theory. An improved fabrication method for magnet on cantilever was employed, which yielded a spatial resolution of 15 µm. These results demonstrate the potential of FMRFM for investigating the spatial dependence of ferromagnetic resonance, and for studying the anisotropy fields and exchange coupling effects within multilayer films and small magnetic systems.

We demonstrate spatial resolution of ferromagnetic resonance in a microscopic sample of YIG using ferromagnetic resonance force microscopy (FMRFM). Measurements were performed on a small single crystal YIG film grown on a GGG substrate, roughly rectangular in shape 20 µm×~150 µm and 3 µm thick. The perpendicular and parallel force geometries of FMRFM, in conjunction with an external bias field both parallel and perpendicular to the film, were used to scan the sample. This enabled the detection of strong signals, even at atmospheric pressure and room temperature. The fundamental and higher-order magnetostatic modes were observed to have 26–29 Gauss separation. The intensity of these modes exhibited spatial variation as the magnetic tip was scanned over the sample, and this behavior is qualitatively explained by DE theory. An improved fabrication method for magnet on cantilever was employed, which yielded a spatial resolution of 15 µm. These results demonstrate the potential of FMRFM for investigating the spatial dependence of ferromagnetic resonance, and for studying the anisotropy fields and exchange coupling effects within multilayer films and small magnetic systems.

We report mechanical detection of ferromagnetic resonance (FMR) signals from microscopic Co single layer thin films using a magnetic resonance force microscope (MRFM). Variations in the magnetic anisotropy field and the inhomogeneity of were clearly observed in the FMR spectra of microscopic Co thin films 500 and 1000 Å thick and ~ 40 × 200 µm^2 in lateral extent. This demonstrates the important potential that MRFM detection of FMR holds for microscopic characterization of spatial distribution of magnetic properties in magnetic layered materials and devices.

We report mechanical detection of ferromagnetic resonance (FMR) signals from microscopic Co single layer thin films using a magnetic resonance force microscope (MRFM). Variations in the magnetic anisotropy field and the inhomogeneity of were clearly observed in the FMR spectra of microscopic Co thin films 500 and 1000 Å thick and ~ 40 × 200 µm^2 in lateral extent. This demonstrates the important potential that MRFM detection of FMR holds for microscopic characterization of spatial distribution of magnetic properties in magnetic layered materials and devices.

The magnetic resonance force microscope (MRFM) marries the techniques of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and atomic force microscopy (AFM), to produce a three-dimensional imaging instrument with high, potentially atomic-scale, resolution. The principle of the MRFM has been successfully demonstrated in numerous experiments. By virtue of its unique capabilities, the MRFM shows promise to make important contributions in fields ranging from three-dimensional materials characterization to bio-molecular structure determination. Here we focus on its application to the characterization and study of layered magnetic materials; the ability to illuminate the properties of buried interfaces in such materials is a particularly important goal. While sensitivity and spatial resolution are currently still far from their theoretical limits, they are nonetheless comparable to or superior to that achievable in conventional MRI. Further improvement of the MRFM will involve operation at lower temperature, application of larger field gradients, introduction of advanced mechanical resonators and improved reduction of the spurious coupling when the magnet is on the resonator.

The signal intensity of electron spin resonance in magnetic resonance force microscopy (MRFM) experiments employing periodic saturation of the electron spin magnetization is determined by four parameters: the rf field H1, the modulation level of the bias field Hm, the spin relaxation time tau1, and the magnetic size R([partial-derivative]H/[partial-derivative]z) of the sample. Calculations of the MRFM spectra obtained from a 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl particle have been performed for various conditions. The results are compared with experimental data and excellent agreement is found. The systematic variation of the signal intensity as a function of H1 and Hm provides a powerful tool to characterize the MRFM apparatus.

The signal intensity of electron spin resonance in magnetic resonance force microscopy (MRFM) experiments employing periodic saturation of the electron spin magnetization is determined by four parameters: the rf field H1, the modulation level of the bias field Hm, the spin relaxation time tau1, and the magnetic size R([partial-derivative]H/[partial-derivative]z) of the sample. Calculations of the MRFM spectra obtained from a 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl particle have been performed for various conditions. The results are compared with experimental data and excellent agreement is found. The systematic variation of the signal intensity as a function of H1 and Hm provides a powerful tool to characterize the MRFM apparatus.

Measurements of relaxation phenomena between liquid 3He and 19F nuclei in small fluorocarbon particles are reported. Magnetic cross relaxation between the 19F in the substrate and the liquid is observed in measurements between 1 K and 0.6 mK. The spin temperatures remain strongly coupled in magnetic fields up to 125 mT. Moreover it is observed that there is a decrease in magnetic relaxation time at the onset of superfluidity in the liquid 3He and that the thermal relaxation times are remarkably short at all temperatures.

Measurements of relaxation phenomena between liquid 3He and 19F nuclei in small fluorocarbon particles are reported. Magnetic cross relaxation between the 19F in the substrate and the liquid is observed in measurements between 1 K and 0.6 mK. The spin temperatures remain strongly coupled in magnetic fields up to 125 mT. Moreover it is observed that there is a decrease in magnetic relaxation time at the onset of superfluidity in the liquid 3He and that the thermal relaxation times are remarkably short at all temperatures.

Although the treatment of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) remains a huge challenge, it is entering a new era with the development of new strategies and trial designs. Because there is an increasing number of novel therapeutic agents and potential combinations available to test in patients with PDAC, the identification of robust prognostic and predictive markers and of new targets and relevant pathways is a top priority as well as the design of adequate trials incorporating molecular-driven hypothesis. We presently report a consensus strategy for research in pancreatic cancer that was developed by a multidisciplinary panel of experts from different European institutions and collaborative groups involved in pancreatic cancer. The expert panel embraces the concept of exploratory early proof of concept studies, based on the prediction of response to novel agents and combinations, and randomised phase II studies permitting the selection of the best therapeutic approach to go forward into phase III, where the recommended primary end point remains overall survival. Trials should contain as many translational components as possible, relying on standardised tissue and blood processing and robust biobanking, and including dynamic imaging. Attention should not only be paid to the pancreatic cancer cells but also to microenvironmental factors and stem/stellate cells