SCIENTISTS from the University of Glasgow are set to lead an £8 million project that could transform pancreatic cancer trials in the UK, with patients being selected according to their individual tumour, writes Greg Russell Cancer Research UK is investing a total of £10m in the PRECISION Panc project which aims to develop personalised treatments for patients with cancer of the pancreas, improving the options and outcomes for a disease where survival rates have remained stubbornly low.
In Scotland, rates have risen by 12 per cent over the past 10 years. Around 620 people were diagnosed with the disease 10 years ago, yet today around 790 people are diagnosed with it. In the same period mortality rates have increased by six per cent from 610 deaths to 730.
Professor Andrew Biankin, who has pioneered the project, aims to speed up recruitment and enrolment of pancreatic cancer patients to clinical trials that are right for the individual. Researchers will use the molecular profile of each cancer to offer patients and their doctor a menu of trials that might benefit them.
Biankin 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.”
Victoria Steven, Cancer Research UK’s spokesperson in Scotland, added: “This ambitious project marks a new era for pancreatic cancer and puts Glasgow at the forefront of pancreatic cancer research. Scots have every right to feel proud of the ground-breaking research into cancer taking place on their doorstep and of their fundraising efforts that allow us to bring forward the day when we can beat this devastating disease.”
Why are you making commenting on The National only available to subscribers?
We know there are thousands of National readers who want to debate, argue and go back and forth in the comments section of our stories. We’ve got the most informed readers in Scotland, asking each other the big questions about the future of our country.
Unfortunately, though, these important debates are being spoiled by a vocal minority of trolls who aren’t really interested in the issues, try to derail the conversations, register under fake names, and post vile abuse.
So that’s why we’ve decided to make the ability to comment only available to our paying subscribers. That way, all the trolls who post abuse on our website will have to pay if they want to join the debate – and risk a permanent ban from the account that they subscribe with.
The conversation will go back to what it should be about – people who care passionately about the issues, but disagree constructively on what we should do about them. Let’s get that debate started!
Callum Baird, Editor of The National
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel