Less than seven per cent of people with pancreatic cancer survive beyond five years in the UK, making it the deadliest common cancer.
Current treatment options are also limited; While innovative treatments such as immunotherapy have been successful in treating other cancers, it has so far been ineffective in treating pancreatic cancer, as the tumours are surrounded by a tough, protective outer layer current methods struggle to penetrate.
Led by Dr Peter Wan, researchers from the Department of Oncology and the Nuffield Department of Surgical Sciences will use specially designed antibodies to redirect the body’s immune cells to recognise and destroy both the tumour cells and the non-cancerous cells making up the protective layer. They hope to not only identify a new way to treat the disease but also improve the effectiveness of existing treatments, such as chemotherapy.
Alfie Bailey-Bearfield, Interim Head of Research for Pancreatic Cancer UK, said:
Immunotherapy is an immensely exciting area of research with the capability to completely transform the future for people with pancreatic cancer. We are thrilled to see its potential start to be realised in improving survival for other cancers, but we urgently need to see the same progress for people with the deadliest common cancer. Dr Peter Wan’s research could have a significant impact on the treatment of pancreatic cancer in the future, potentially giving tens of thousands each year more than hope to hold onto following a diagnosis. Not only could more survive, but by making existing treatments more effective, a greater number of people with the disease could live better for longer, providing them with more precious time with their loved ones whilst they still feel healthy enough to enjoy it.
Dr Peter Wan, Pancreatic Cancer UK Fellow and Research Scientist at Department of Oncology, University of Oxford, said:
I am extremely grateful to Pancreatic Cancer UK and all the donors for supporting me to conduct this exciting project. Developing better treatments for pancreatic cancer has long been my career ambition, as this is a disease where new options are urgently needed. While much of the pharmaceutical industry focuses on cancers that are easier to treat, I believe academic researchers have a responsibility to tackle the most difficult challenges, and pancreatic cancer is one of them.
As Principal Investigator, I am leading a multidisciplinary team of scientists, clinicians and surgeons to develop a new antibody therapy designed specifically for pancreatic cancer. Our antibodies are developed and tested directly using patient biopsy samples, keeping the research clinically relevant and enabling the most promising candidates to be accelerated towards clinical development. Importantly, this therapy will also work in combination with existing treatments such as chemotherapy and radiotherapy so that patients can gain substantial benefits with minimal additional interventions.
Beyond the science, I am setting up a focus group to involve patients and families throughout the project, to ensure their voices help guide us and keep the research grounded in real experience. I am also leveraging this fellowship to strengthen the pancreatic cancer research community by offering students research opportunities and inspiring the next generation of scientists.
This research is possible thanks to the generosity of the Ellis Family, who funded the project in memory of Lesley Ellis. Lesley died from pancreatic cancer on the 20th of June 2019, aged 59. The Ellis family are providing support to Pancreatic Cancer UK’s Fellows by funding their projects, helping to build their career in pancreatic cancer research while working towards desperately needed research breakthroughs.