Project Title: Does cancer cell integrin αvβ8 promote pancreatic
adenocarcinoma and represent a novel therapeutic target
Project Aims: Prof Marshall has identified a molecule called alpha-v-beta-8 (avb8) which sits on the cell surface of many types of pancreatic cancer. Through his previous PCRF-funded research, has found an antibody that latches onto and blocks avb8. This new project will investigate the exact role of avb8 in pancreatic cancer growth, which will confirm whether blocking it is a new, effective way to treat pancreatic cancer and should be progressed towards clinical trials.