Testing drug combinations for pancreatic cancer
Background
Pancreatic cancer is a particularly devastating form of cancer, with only 6% of patients surviving for 5 years after diagnosis. A chemotherapy drug called gemcitabine is a standard treatment for pancreatic cancer, however drug resistance is common and occurs quickly.
The research
This project will determine how drug resistance develops at the genetic level. In detecting the molecular ‘signatures’ that define drug resistance, the researchers will be able to explore ways of making treatment approaches more effective. This information will be used to test combinations of drugs that can overcome cancer drug resistance or prevent the resistance happening in the first place.
The impact
With a more complete molecular understanding of the mechanisms of drug resistance at the genetic level, it is possible to revolutionise treatment of cancer in Australia and around the world.