Associate Prof Phoebe Phillips
Starvation of pancreatic tumours by metabolically reprogramming both tumour and stromal cells
Grant
Starvation of pancreatic tumours by metabolically reprogramming both tumour and stromal cells
Award
2018 Innovation Grant - Michael Luscombe Grant
Institution
University of New South Wales
Principal Investigator
Associate Prof Phoebe Phillips
Time required to complete project
1 Year
Project Summary
The most effective current chemotherapies target cancer cells, yet ignore critical ‘helper’ cells which drive tumour growth and spread. Associate Professor Phoebe Phillips and her team from the Lowy Cancer Research Centre, UNSW aim to use a new clinical-grade drug and gene therapy to starve both Pancreatic Cancer cells and helper cells to shut down their tumour-promoting activity. They expect to identify new pathways to block the helper cells in Pancreatic Cancer and if successful, the therapeutic target already has an ‘inhibitor’ drug which could be rapidly tested in patients. Additionally, this study has the potential to inform patients on the best treatment options by identifying a new marker in patient samples which may predict the outcome or aggressiveness of a tumour. The Avner Pancreatic Cancer Foundation funding will allow them to test an innovative idea to tackle both Pancreatic Cancer cells and the helper cells which feed pancreatic tumours, as such overcoming a limitation with current chemotherapy approaches. Such support early on in a project is critical to improve health outcomes for patients with Pancreatic Cancer.
