Pancreatic cancer trials offering hope

Director of Oncology at The Alfred, Prof Mark Shackleton, said that the work carried additional significance, as pancreatic cancer is one of the most difficult to treat.

“Although treatment is improving, we clearly still have a long way to go,” Prof Shackleton said.

“The best way forward is through research and clinical trials that advance scientific understanding and treatment of the disease to increase cures and provide patients with longer and better quality lives.”

The Alfred is currently participating in six international and national trials, each investigating how new forms of pancreatic cancer treatment might work for patients in addition to other cancer treatments, such as chemotherapy or radiation therapy.

“Surgery remains a mainstay of treatment for pancreatic cancer where it can be done safely and effectively,” said Alfred Hepatobiliarypancreatic surgeon Assoc Prof Charles Pilgrim.

“We’re very proud to be driving several world-leading surgical trials for pancreatic cancer patients that aim to increase cure rates and offer real hope for patients and families."

In addition to surgical trials, trials exploring powerful new anti-cancer drugs are also in progress.

"Improving life expectancy and the well-being of pancreatic cancer patients depends at least in part on discovering new treatment,” The Alfred’s Assoc Prof Andrew Haydon, Head of Upper Gastrointestinal Oncology said.

“We run a suite of clinical trials examining the benefits of these new treatments in the safest environment possible, in conjunction with the medical services delivered at The Alfred.”

Click here for more information about our oncology clinical trials.