The challenge 

Pancreatic cancer remains one of the deadliest cancers in Australia. It is the third most common cause of cancer-related death, with an incidence rate of 14 cases per 100,000 people. It is particularly difficult to treat because it is often diagnosed at an advanced stage, leaving patients with limited treatment options. Fewer than 14% of people diagnosed with pancreatic cancer survive beyond five years.

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Cancer affects us all. Many of us have lost family, friends or colleagues to this disease. For Professor Tracy Putoczki and her team at WEHI, their response is to use research and discovery to help create new possibilities for patients. The team is exploring the unique characteristics of pancreatic cancer cells, focusing on the proteins found on their surface. Understanding these proteins could reveal new insights into how pancreatic cancer develops and identify potential opportunities for future treatments.

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What this could unlock

Hearts & Minds funding, as nominated by Cooper Investors, has enabled Professor Putoczki’s team to pursue ambitious discovery research that could uncover new approaches to treating pancreatic cancer. This includes building the tools, creating the datasets and bringing together the collaborations needed to translate laboratory findings into real-world impact.

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By mapping the surface of pancreatic cancer cells, the researchers aim to identify proteins that could become druggable targets and form the foundation for future therapies. If the team identifies a novel drug target, the next steps will be to demonstrate that targeting it can change the behaviour of the cancer and, if successful, progress towards the drug development pipeline with the aim of developing future treatments for patients.

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While this research is still in its early stages, building a deeper understanding of pancreatic cancer cells is an important first step towards uncovering new treatment opportunities. Ultimately, Professor Tracy Putoczki and her team want to move the dial on survivorship and give more people diagnosed with pancreatic cancer the opportunity to live longer, with a better quality of life.

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This project is supported by Hearts and Minds Investments, as nominated by Cooper Investors. For further information and updates, visit WEHI.