Epithelial - Stromal Interactions in Pancreatic Cancer: Role of Pancreatic Stellate Cells [ 2005 - 2007 ]

Research Grant

Researchers: Prof Minoti Apte (Principal investigator) ,  Prof David Goldstein ,  Prof Jeremy Wilson ,  Prof Rakesh Kumar ,  Prof Romano Pirola

Brief description The pancreas is the major digestive organ in the body. It is located in the abdomen, draped across the spine behind the stomach. Pancreatic cancer is a leading cause of death in this country and in Western Society in general. Most patients with this disease survive only a few months after diagnosis. Even for those in whom a curative operation is undertaken, survival is poor. Chemotherapy and radiotherapy (alone and in combination) result in, at best, limited benefit. Clearly, there is a need for novel approaches to this lethal disease. The proposed project involves an examination of the local tissue reaction around pancreatic cancer. This tissue reaction is usually prominent and the cells involved may determine the extent of local and distant spread of the cancer. Modulation of this tissue reaction may limit pancreatic cancer growth and thus improve outcome.

Funding Amount $AUD 425,750.00

Funding Scheme NHMRC Project Grants

Notes Standard Project Grant