Research projects

Dr Schmid's research explores how white blood cells help pancreatic cancer cells to spread and grow new tumours.

Professor Machesky is investigating drug compounds that affect a protein called fascin1, thought to help pancreatic cancer cells move and spread.

This research looks at ways to block the chemical messaging between pancreatic cancer cells and stellate cells which helps the cancer to invade neighbouring healthy tissue.

Dr Kermorgant is investigating drug compounds that could curb the action of a molecule called c-Met, which triggers the spread of pancreatic cancer.

Dr Forde is evaluating the potential for short electric pulses to increase the uptake of chemotherapy drugs by pancreatic cancer cells.

Dr Bruce is exploring ways to cut off the energy supply used by pancreatic cancer cells to pump calcium out of the cells.

Dr Wang is investigating whether the Vaccinia virus - used against smallpox - can be engineered for use against pancreatic cancer.

This project focuses on two enzymes which help cancer cells produce energy. The aim is to see if these can be used as a biomarker to diagnose and predict the aggressiveness of the tumour.

This project builds on previous PCRF-funded research into blocking the action of molecule - called avb6 - which allows pancreatic cancer cells to invade healthy tissues more easily.

Professor Durrant is engineering antibodies that bind to sugars found on the surface of tumours, stimulating an immune response.