Problem

Problem: Pancreatic Cancer

Pancreatic cancer is one of the top causes of death in men and women. Despite various technological and medical advancements, the five-year survival rate for pancreatic cancer is still 8%, and around 50,000 people in the US will die from it in 2022.

Existing treatments only work for around 1 in 10 people. There are several options for pancreatic cancer treatment, such as, radiation, chemotherapy, immunotherapy or surgery.

Radiation

Uses high-energy X-rays to destroy cancer cells
Side effects such as skin changes, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, weight loss, and fatigue
Causes damage to surrounding tissues

Immuno-therapy

Uses medicine to stimulate the immune system to fight cancerous cells
Side effects include swelling, fatigue, nausea and cough
Doesn't work for everyone
Can cause the immune system to attack organs like the heart, liver and lungs
The immune system can get used to the drugs and the tumour can grow again

Pancreatic cancer is so deadly because it is hard to detect. It is not diagnosed in most people until the later stages when it has already metastasized. Pancreatic cancer cells are especially evasive and resilient, making it difficult to find a treatment.

Chemotherapy

Uses chemicals to kill cancerous cells
Side effects include hair loss, infection, nausea, fatigue and increased risk of infections
Not only kills cancerous cells, but can also kill the healthy cells

Surgery

Can only be done when the cancer has not yet spread
Only works for stage 1 and stage 2 tumours
Surgery is complex and has a long recovery time