the need
Pancreatic cancer is one of the most fatal forms of cancer and results in the death of more than 200,000 people worldwide each year.
Only 5% of people diagnosed with pancreatic cancer survive more than five years. Sadly the survival rate has not improved in 40 years, Ulster University researchers are working to change this.
pioneering new treatments
In many cases patients are diagnosed too late for surgery as the tumour has already become too large. We are working on ways to shrink the tumour and therefore make it operable.
The micro-bubble technology will deliver a novel combination treatment directly to the cancerous tumour. The goal is to shrink the tumour and enable potentially life-saving surgery to be an option for a greater proportion of patients.
The novel approach combines existing chemotherapy treatment with a newer treatment called sonodynamic therapy. The targeted tumour delivery afforded by the microbubbles, coupled with the effectiveness of the combined treatment, mean it is possible to use a fraction of the normal chemotherapy dose and reduce the side-effects associated with chemotherapy treatment.
how your donation will help
Together we can help improve the outcome for many patients diagnosed with pancreatic cancer and help spare many families. Pancreatic cancer is a devastating disease and one we need to fight. Your gift will go towards Professor Callan’s team of researchers to help them bring this treatment to clinical trial and make it available for patient use.
If caught early, pancreatic cancer is more likely to be treatable. Therefore, please familiarise yourself and your family with the symptoms of pancreatic cancer (pictured under updates), it could help save a life.
Thank you and stay safe.
