Dr Ying Zhu
Development of a non-invasive method of early detection for pancreatic cancer patients using nanotechnology
Grant
Development of a non-invasive method of early detection for pancreatic cancer patients using nanotechnology
Award
2019 Innovation Grant
Institution
UNSW
Principal Investigator
Dr Ying Zhu
Time required to complete project
1 Year
Project Summary
Dr Zhu and her team will use their grant to develop an integrated and small device based on nanotechnology for rapid and sensitive exosome analysis. The team will define a set of biomarkers that can differentiate between cancer and non-cancer subjects from cells and plasma carrying early signs of human pancreatic cancer. This novel technology will also be applicable for doctors monitoring the development and customising the treatment of a patient’s tumour. The team will aim to develop a blood test to detect pancreatic cancer in the early stages. The blood test will detect exosomes, which are nanosized fragments released by cancer cells. Exosomes are important for communicating messages and transporting materials between cells. Exosomes have been identified as more accurate and promising biomarkers or biological clues for pancreatic cancer diagnosis.
This 2019 Avner Foundation Innovation Grant awarded to Dr Zhu and her team at UNSW is made possible through the fundraising efforts of the Wish You Were Here team who include Scott Hunt, Con Kanellis, Ralph Kemmler, Stephen Grosser, Matt Hare, Ash Parmenter, James Osborne, Diego Brittos, Shane Hines, Nick Sabel, Brian Nichol, Filip Stepic.