Liver and Pancreatic Cancer Research and Development charity (LAPR&D) is delighted to announce a new funding partnership with a research team based in Southampton University Hospital. The project, led by Dr William Tapper, has attracted £35,000 of LAPR&D funding. The project will undertake studies to produce a risk score which will assist in the prediction of pancreatic cancer. The risk score should help identify population at risk of developing pancreatic cancer for secondary screening.
Dr. Tapper comments “pancreatic cancer remains a stubbornly difficult cancer to treat and as with many cancers early detection is crucial to improving patient outcomes. Often detection comes too late and survival rates remain low compared to other forms of cancer. We are in the fortunate position of having access to the UK BioBank which retains samples that we can utilise to speed the research”.
The diagnosis of pancreatic cancer is challenging at early stages because of its hidden anatomical position and relatively low occurrence in population. A change of pancreatic function is mainly translated to vague abdominal symptoms and deranged blood sugar. Therefore, further innovative technologies to predict people at risk of pancreatic cancer is particularly important for early detection. The aim is that this research programme will identify a group of people who will benefit from screening without major financial impact on the public health system.
Professor Andrew Collins & Dr. Zaed Hamady will support the project and regular updates will be provided here as progress is made.
The funds will be used, along with other secured funds, to employ a full-time PhD student to undertake the research. Recruitment is underway to identify a suitable appointee.
Kelvin Davis, LAPR&D Patron and former Southampton Football Club goalkeeper and captain stated “The Charity is delighted to be involved in this research. The past 18 months have been very difficult for the charity sector generally to run events and raise funds and we are no exception. It is therefore particularly pleasing to get underway again with our first major new funding initiative on such an important cause.”
LAPR&D strongly believe that raising awareness of pancreatic cancer and its signs and symptoms can save lives. More than 50% of patients have never heard of pancreatic cancer before their own diagnosis and half the population cannot name a single symptom of pancreatic cancer – that’s why raising awareness is so vital! Unlike many other forms of cancer, detection and cure rates have not improved in the last 40 years.
LAPR&D, via its world leading research programme based at the Southampton University Hospital, is trying to improve the life chances of those who contract this disease.
You can find out more about the signs and symptoms of pancreatic cancer at: https://pancreaticcanceraction.org/about-pancreatic-cancer/symptoms.
The pancreas has two main functions – to aid digestion and regulate blood sugar levels.
The Liver and Pancreatic Research and Development cancer charity (registered Charity Number 1051543 and affiliated to the Southampton University Hospital Trust) was set up by surgeon Prof. Mo Abu Hilal in 2012 and several patients with liver and pancreatic diseases. The charity, based at Southampton Hospital, aims to deliver improvements in the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of cancers of the liver and pancreas. Further ways to support the charity can be found at: http://www.lapcancercharity.com
Press enquiries to: Paul Over tel: 07775706082
email: Liverandpancreaticrd@gmail.com
Picture credit: shows the position of the pancreas and its relation to adjoining organs and symptoms
Dr. Tapper comments “pancreatic cancer remains a stubbornly difficult cancer to treat and as with many cancers early detection is crucial to improving patient outcomes. Often detection comes too late and survival rates remain low compared to other forms of cancer. We are in the fortunate position of having access to the UK BioBank which retains samples that we can utilise to speed the research”.
The diagnosis of pancreatic cancer is challenging at early stages because of its hidden anatomical position and relatively low occurrence in population. A change of pancreatic function is mainly translated to vague abdominal symptoms and deranged blood sugar. Therefore, further innovative technologies to predict people at risk of pancreatic cancer is particularly important for early detection. The aim is that this research programme will identify a group of people who will benefit from screening without major financial impact on the public health system.
Professor Andrew Collins & Dr. Zaed Hamady will support the project and regular updates will be provided here as progress is made.
The funds will be used, along with other secured funds, to employ a full-time PhD student to undertake the research. Recruitment is underway to identify a suitable appointee.
Kelvin Davis, LAPR&D Patron and former Southampton Football Club goalkeeper and captain stated “The Charity is delighted to be involved in this research. The past 18 months have been very difficult for the charity sector generally to run events and raise funds and we are no exception. It is therefore particularly pleasing to get underway again with our first major new funding initiative on such an important cause.”
LAPR&D strongly believe that raising awareness of pancreatic cancer and its signs and symptoms can save lives. More than 50% of patients have never heard of pancreatic cancer before their own diagnosis and half the population cannot name a single symptom of pancreatic cancer – that’s why raising awareness is so vital! Unlike many other forms of cancer, detection and cure rates have not improved in the last 40 years.
LAPR&D, via its world leading research programme based at the Southampton University Hospital, is trying to improve the life chances of those who contract this disease.
You can find out more about the signs and symptoms of pancreatic cancer at: https://pancreaticcanceraction.org/about-pancreatic-cancer/symptoms.
The pancreas has two main functions – to aid digestion and regulate blood sugar levels.
The Liver and Pancreatic Research and Development cancer charity (registered Charity Number 1051543 and affiliated to the Southampton University Hospital Trust) was set up by surgeon Prof. Mo Abu Hilal in 2012 and several patients with liver and pancreatic diseases. The charity, based at Southampton Hospital, aims to deliver improvements in the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of cancers of the liver and pancreas. Further ways to support the charity can be found at: http://www.lapcancercharity.com
Press enquiries to: Paul Over tel: 07775706082
email: Liverandpancreaticrd@gmail.com
Picture credit: shows the position of the pancreas and its relation to adjoining organs and symptoms
