Key Points
- The Foundation is teaming up with Pancreatic Cancer UK to support preclinical focused ultrasound research.
- Two funded projects, each with a unique approach, are tackling pancreatic tumors.
Pancreatic Cancer UK is collaborating with the Focused Ultrasound Foundation and the UK Focused Ultrasound Foundation to support important preclinical research investigating the potential of focused ultrasound as a treatment for pancreatic cancer. This ongoing partnership funds studies exploring how focused ultrasound may enhance the effectiveness of emerging therapies through different therapeutic approaches; two examples are below.
Institute of Cancer Research (London): Led by Prof. Gail ter Haar, PhD, and Petros Mouratidis, PhD, this preclinical study is examining whether focused ultrasound could disrupt the dense fibrous tissue surrounding pancreatic tumors, allowing engineered oncolytic viruses to better penetrate and destroy cancer cells. Researchers are also evaluating whether this combination approach can inhibit tumor growth and improve survival. Insights gained could also enhance the delivery of other pancreatic cancer therapies in the future.
University of Oxford: Led by Keaton Jones, BMBS, DPhil, FRCS, and Michael Gray, PhD, this research is investigating whether focused ultrasound can improve the effectiveness of immunotherapy for pancreatic cancer by disrupting tumors, reducing their immunosuppressive environment, and increasing immune-cell infiltration and drug delivery. By helping the immune system better recognize and attack pancreatic tumors, the study aims to overcome one of the disease’s greatest treatment challenges and lay the groundwork for more effective combination therapies.