Wins for pancreatic cancer clinical trials research

Recently announced funding results MRFF Clinical Trials Initiative – 2021 Rare Cancers Rare Diseases and Unmet Need.

Pancare is delighted to have contributed to two successfully funded clinical trials for pancreatic cancer research, announced in the recent 2021 MRFF Rare Cancers and Unmet Need (RCRDUN) Clinical Trials initiative grant rounds.

Research into some of the world’s rarest forms of cancer and disease have received a boost of $63.4 million, with the Australian Government announcing 27 grant recipients under the RCRDUN grant opportunity. The opportunity aims to increase clinical trial activity in Australia for rare cancers and rare disease by supporting new, high-quality research.

The RCRDUN opportunity also encourages novel and innovative clinical trial methodologies, such as the application of precision medicine to take individual genetic variation into account in disease treatment.

Pancare is dedicated to improving the outcomes of patients experiencing upper GI cancers by supporting trial development thus increasing access to clinical trials.  In this grant round we supported the grant applications of two successful Clinical trials that will receive a total of over $3.5M to study pancreatic cancer treatments and diagnosis.

• Over $560,000 granted to Edith Cowan University, for a study that will examine if improving the patient’s fitness before surgery may improve operative outcomes, as well as their physical and mental health.
  
• Almost $3M to Monash University, for a study that will test whether a structured radiology report can improve the accuracy of reporting of CT scans in pancreatic cancer, to help doctors distinguish patients who should receive chemotherapy before surgery versus surgery alone, to optimise care. Identifying the most effective treatment for patients as quickly as possible will support improved outcomes from this devastating cancer.

Pancare CEO Doug Hawkins remarks “We are encouraged to see pancreatic cancer clinical trials funded at a national level. Both projects present an opportunity to make significant improvements to the challenges for those with pancreatic cancer.”

We look forward to keeping the patient community informed on the progress of these trials.