Ultrasound Targeted Combination Therapy for Pancreatic Cancer

PI: Eleanor Stride

Department: Engineering Science

Pancreatic cancer has the lowest survival rate among the 21 most common forms of cancer, with only 5% of patients surviving five years after their initial diagnosis. In contrast to other cancers, survival statistics for pancreatic cancer have barely changed over the past 40 years. This represents not only a major unmet need for patients and clinicians but also a significant financial burden for healthcare providers. Previous work by the applicants has demonstrated that using oxygen microbubbles to deliver ultrasound responsive chemotherapy drugs can significantly enhance tumour response whilst minimising toxic side effects. The aim of the project is translate the laboratory work into a new clinical treatment for pancreatic cancer. This will be achieved by creating a partnership between the scientists and engineers developing the technology, a leading pancreatic surgeon and a clinical manufacturing facility.