Menu
15/09/2015
Researchers To Help Develop New Treatments For Pancreatic Cancer
Researchers at Queen's University in Belfast are to help develop new treatments for pancreatic cancer.
£2.9 million has been secured under the US-Ireland Research and Development Partnership Programme. It will bring together world-leading experts in drug delivery and cancer research at Queen's, Dublin City University and the University at Buffalo.
The five-year programme will focus on the development of 'nanomedicine' in the treatment of pancreatic cancer, for which current treatment options are limited. The transatlantic team aim to develop miniscule technology – so tiny that it is invisible to the naked eye – to deliver drugs directly to cancer sites and thereby improve the effectiveness of chemotherapy treatments.
In Northern Ireland, during 2009-2013 an average of 220 cases of pancreatic cancer were diagnosed each year. The five-year survival rate for patients diagnosed in 2004-2008 was 5%.
Queen's University Professor Christopher Scott, Director of Research, Molecular Therapeutics Cluster in the School of Pharmacy, who is leading the project, said: "Pancreatic cancer is the fifth most common cause of cancer deaths in the UK. Many chemotherapies could be more effective, and induce fewer side effects, if they could access the tumour more easily; this is what we aim to examine in this project. By working in partnership with researchers in New York and Dublin it will allow us to generate valuable discoveries and innovations which can move our work out of the laboratory and towards clinical trials.
"This is another example of the commitment of researchers and staff at Queen's to advancing knowledge and changing lives."
(CD)
£2.9 million has been secured under the US-Ireland Research and Development Partnership Programme. It will bring together world-leading experts in drug delivery and cancer research at Queen's, Dublin City University and the University at Buffalo.
The five-year programme will focus on the development of 'nanomedicine' in the treatment of pancreatic cancer, for which current treatment options are limited. The transatlantic team aim to develop miniscule technology – so tiny that it is invisible to the naked eye – to deliver drugs directly to cancer sites and thereby improve the effectiveness of chemotherapy treatments.
In Northern Ireland, during 2009-2013 an average of 220 cases of pancreatic cancer were diagnosed each year. The five-year survival rate for patients diagnosed in 2004-2008 was 5%.
Queen's University Professor Christopher Scott, Director of Research, Molecular Therapeutics Cluster in the School of Pharmacy, who is leading the project, said: "Pancreatic cancer is the fifth most common cause of cancer deaths in the UK. Many chemotherapies could be more effective, and induce fewer side effects, if they could access the tumour more easily; this is what we aim to examine in this project. By working in partnership with researchers in New York and Dublin it will allow us to generate valuable discoveries and innovations which can move our work out of the laboratory and towards clinical trials.
"This is another example of the commitment of researchers and staff at Queen's to advancing knowledge and changing lives."
(CD)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
14 February 2024
Odyssey Welcomes Return Of The Friendship Series
The Odyssey Trust is celebrating the successful return of the Friendship Series for the first time since 2020, which saw Princeton University crowned champions after defeating Providence College at The SSE Arena, Belfast.
Odyssey Welcomes Return Of The Friendship Series
The Odyssey Trust is celebrating the successful return of the Friendship Series for the first time since 2020, which saw Princeton University crowned champions after defeating Providence College at The SSE Arena, Belfast.
15 April 2024
Assembly Members Form New All Party Group On Skills
Highlighting the importance of skills development and supply for all sectors in Northern Ireland, a new All Party Group on Skills has been established at the Northern Ireland Assembly.
Assembly Members Form New All Party Group On Skills
Highlighting the importance of skills development and supply for all sectors in Northern Ireland, a new All Party Group on Skills has been established at the Northern Ireland Assembly.
25 March 2024
New Taskforce To Expand Ulster Uni To Over 10,000 Students
A new taskforce has been established to develop and oversee an action plan to expand Ulster University’s L'Derry campus to 10,000 students. Announced by the Economy Minister, Conor Murphy said: "The expansion of Ulster University’s campus in Derry is key to promoting regional balance, in line with my economic vision.
New Taskforce To Expand Ulster Uni To Over 10,000 Students
A new taskforce has been established to develop and oversee an action plan to expand Ulster University’s L'Derry campus to 10,000 students. Announced by the Economy Minister, Conor Murphy said: "The expansion of Ulster University’s campus in Derry is key to promoting regional balance, in line with my economic vision.
07 March 2024
Health Minister Announces 'Public Listening Exercise' On Women's Health
The Department of Health is to undertake a large scale 'public listening exercise' to explore views and opinions on how best to address women's health in Northern Ireland.
Health Minister Announces 'Public Listening Exercise' On Women's Health
The Department of Health is to undertake a large scale 'public listening exercise' to explore views and opinions on how best to address women's health in Northern Ireland.
25 April 2024
Economy Minister Launches Latest All Ireland Scholarships Scheme
Minister for the Economy, Conor Murphy, has announced the launch of the latest All Ireland Scholarships Scheme for students in Northern Ireland. The value of each scholarship is £5,500 per annum for the duration of their undergraduate programme. The All Ireland Scholarships were established in 2008 by JP McManus.
Economy Minister Launches Latest All Ireland Scholarships Scheme
Minister for the Economy, Conor Murphy, has announced the launch of the latest All Ireland Scholarships Scheme for students in Northern Ireland. The value of each scholarship is £5,500 per annum for the duration of their undergraduate programme. The All Ireland Scholarships were established in 2008 by JP McManus.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherThis Evening and Tonight:Showers will gradually die out during the evening. A cold night with long clear spells leading to a touch of frost in places. Light winds. Minimum temperature 0 °C.
