More than 600 patients are to take part in a network of clinical trials aimed at developing personalised treatment for pancreatic cancer, it was announced today.
The project will involve three trials first.
Researchers say they will analyse the molecular profile of each case of disease and offer the patient and their doctor the trial that may be most effective.
Cancer Research UK is putting some £10 million into the project, known as Precision Panc.
Professor Andrew Biankin, of the University of Glasgow, UK, said: “Because the disease is so aggressive, patients may receive no treatment at all or if they are given an option it will be for just one line of treatment, so it’s essential that the most suitable treatment is identified quickly. It’s important we offer all patients the opportunity to be part of research alongside their standard care.”
Dr Ian Walker, director of clinical research at Cancer Research UK, said: “This ambitious project marks a new era for pancreatic cancer. Little progress has been made in outcomes for pancreatic cancer patients over the last 40 years, and we believe that PRECISION Panc will reshape how we approach treatment development.
“Cancer Research UK is determined to streamline research, to find the right clinical trial for all pancreatic cancer patients and to ensure laboratory discoveries have patient benefit.”
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