How Dr Andrew Lowy’s global expertise keeps the focus where it’s needed most

One area of research Dr Lowy has contributed to is understanding how pancreatic cancer fuels its relentless growth. His latest study looks into the role of MICAL2, a protein that appears to support tumour progression by helping cancer cells survive and spread. Researchers are now exploring how blocking MICAL2 could make pancreatic cancer cells more vulnerable to treatment.

A major weakness in pancreatic cancer

Most pancreatic cancers are powered by KRAS, a gene that drives tumour growth. KRAS has been notoriously difficult to target, making it a major challenge in treatment. But this research suggests KRAS may not be acting alone, it could be relying on MICAL2 to sustain its activity.

Scientists have identified MICAL2 as a key player in pancreatic cancer, a protein usually involved in cell movement and structure. In pancreatic tumours, however, MICAL2 acts as fuel for tumour growth, helping cancer cells survive and spread.

This study, led in part by Dr Lowy, found that blocking MICAL2 weakens pancreatic cancer cells, making them less aggressive and more vulnerable to treatment. This research identified three key insights:

• Patients with lower levels of MICAL2 lived twice as long as those with higher levels, reinforcing its link to survival.
• Tumours with blocked MICAL2 struggled to grow, suggesting it plays a key role in their ability to spread.
• KRAS activity dropped when MICAL2 was switched off, revealing a potential new way to disrupt cancer growth.

Dr Lowy, explains the urgent need for better treatments:

"Pancreatic cancer has the highest mortality rate of all common cancers, and current treatments are woefully inadequate." 

Our role in moving research forward

We support research that deepens our understanding of pancreatic cancer and explores new possibilities for earlier detection and better treatment options. While scientific progress takes time, each study brings us one step closer to answers.

By facilitating collaboration and funding key projects, we ensure that leading researchers have the resources and networks they need to continue their work. Dr Lowy’s expertise as a member of our Scientific Advisory Panel helps guide research priorities, keeping the focus where it’s needed most.

Find out more about our Scientific Advisory Panel.