The organisations are collaborating to support pioneering research at the University of Oxford
London, UK, 7/15/25—The UK Focused Ultrasound Foundation and Pancreatic Cancer UK announced a new partnership to co-fund a preclinical study at the University of Oxford investigating whether focused ultrasound can enhance the effectiveness of immunotherapy to treat pancreatic cancer.
Pancreatic cancer is one of the most aggressive and lethal forms of cancer. In the UK alone, more than 10,000 people are diagnosed with the disease each year. Over half die within three months of diagnosis, making it the deadliest common cancer. The disease is notoriously difficult to detect early, with 80% of patients diagnosed at an advanced stage. Surgery is the only potentially curative treatment and only available to around 10% of patients due to late-stage diagnosis.
The study, led by co-principal investigators Keaton Jones, MSc, DPhil, FRCS, and Michael Gray, PhD, at the University of Oxford, explores whether focused ultrasound can disrupt tumours and improve the delivery of immunotherapy, an approach that boosts the immune system to recognize and destroy cancer cells.
Early evidence suggests that combining focused ultrasound with immunotherapy could help overcome the unique challenges pancreatic cancer presents. Focused ultrasound uses noninvasive, high-frequency sound waves to destroy tumour tissue and may reduce the immunosuppressive environment that makes pancreatic tumours so difficult to treat. By increasing immune cell access and enhancing drug delivery, this combination could improve outcomes.
“Finding a treatment for pancreatic cancer is one of the greatest unmet needs in oncology,” said Philip Keevil MA, (Oxon), MBA, FRSA, chairman and trustee of the UK Focused Ultrasound Foundation. “We need bold, innovative approaches like focused ultrasound to change the odds for patients. This partnership reflects our commitment to delivering hope through science.”
“We are thrilled to be co-funding this vital project with the UK Focused Ultrasound Foundation,” said Dr. Chris Macdonald, head of research at Pancreatic Cancer UK. “Immunotherapy is an immensely exciting treatment that has improved survival for other cancers like leukaemia but has so far been ineffective for pancreatic cancer due to its ability to hide from the immune system, and the thick shell of tissue that surrounds the tumour. We hope that the addition of focused ultrasound will, in future, make immunotherapy a viable treatment option for thousands of people diagnosed each year in the UK.”
This latest collaboration is part of an ongoing effort by both organizations to drive innovation and accelerate new treatment options for pancreatic cancer.
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About Focused Ultrasound
Focused ultrasound uses ultrasound energy guided by real-time imaging to treat tissue deep in the body without incisions or radiation. There are currently 34 indications in various stages of development in the UK and more than 180 worldwide, including Alzheimer’s disease and tumours of the brain, liver, breast, and pancreas. Worldwide, 32 have regulatory approval, and in the UK, 13 have achieved CE marking.
About the UK Focused Ultrasound Foundation
Established in 2023, the UK Focused Ultrasound Foundation was created to improve the lives of millions of people worldwide by accelerating the development of this noninvasive technology. The UK Focused Ultrasound Foundation, along with its US counterpart, works to clear the path to global adoption by organising and funding research, fostering collaboration, and building awareness among patients and professionals.
About Pancreatic Cancer UK
People affected by pancreatic cancer deserve more than hope – they need results. That’s why Pancreatic Cancer UK is making more noise for those who have gone unheard for too long, bringing more research breakthroughs, more change through campaigning and more support.