On World Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Day, we celebrate the vital work being done to combat one of Australia's most devastating cancers.

Today, we share insights from Professor Tracy Putoczki's recent visit to the DCWC Melbourne office, where she discussed the groundbreaking pancreatic cancer research taking place at the Walter and Eliza Hall Institute (WEHI) and the urgent need for innovation in this field.

Why Pancreatic Cancer Demands Our Attention

Pancreatic cancer is rapidly becoming the "Cancer of Our Generation." The statistics present a sobering reality that calls for immediate action.

• In Australia, pancreatic cancer is a significant public health concern with an estimated 4,825 new cases diagnosed in 2025, and an estimated 4,039 deaths attributed to the cancer.

• Pancreatic cancer accounts for 7.2% of all cancer-related deaths, despite representing only 2.7% of new cancer diagnoses.

• The five-year survival rate is just 14%, highlighting the aggressive nature of this disease.

Projections indicate that pancreatic cancer will become Australia's second most lethal cancer by 2030, reflecting both rising incidence and limited treatment options. With a 1 in 70 chance of being diagnosed by age 85, and more than half of those diagnosed dying within six months, the urgency for action is clear.

Understanding the Pancreas and Pancreatic Cancer

The pancreas, located behind the stomach, play a vital role in digestion and blood sugar regulation. It produces enzymes to break down food and hormones to manage glucose levels. Pancreatic cancer is particularly aggressive and difficult to detect early as it often shows few or no symptoms in its early stages. This late diagnosis is a primary reason for poor survival outcomes.

Prof. Tracy Putoczki's Groundbreaking Research

Prof. Tracy Putoczki is at the forefront of groundbreaking research at WEHI, revolutionising the approach to pancreatic cancer treatment. Her work centres on developing personalised therapies using organoids—miniature, lab-grown models of patients' tumours—offering new hope for tailored and effective cancer care.

The Power of Organoids

Organoids represent a revolutionary approach to cancer research and treatment development:

• Grown directly from a patient's cancer cells, organoids allow researchers to test hundreds of drugs to find the most effective match for that individual.

• By mimicking a patient's cancer biology, organoids help researchers understand tumour behaviour, bridging the gap between laboratory research and real-world patient outcomes.

This personalised approach accelerates discoveries and offers hope for improved quality of life and survival for pancreatic cancer patients.

A Global Platform for Progress: PURPLE

Launched to the general public today, Dr. Belinda Lee's PURPLE platform integrates population data from hospitals worldwide with tissue-based research.

• Initially involving 10 cancer centres, PURPLE now includes 53 centres across Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, and beyond.

• Tracking the treatment journeys of over 5,500 patients, PURPLE unites oncologists, surgeons, scientists, allied health professionals, and patient carers in a collaborative network.

The platform has already delivered tangible results, such as establishing circulating tumour DNA (ctDNA) as a global tool for guiding chemotherapy decisions for early-stage pancreatic cancer. Its AI capabilities are also being used to analyse medical scans with unprecedented precision, enabling faster diagnoses.

Immune Therapy: A Beacon of Hope

Prof. Putoczki and Dr. Lee are exploring breakthroughs in immune therapy, which has revolutionised treatment for cancers like melanoma. If immune therapy could provide lifelong protection for pancreatic cancer patients, it would represent a life-saving breakthrough for thousands of Australians.

Recognising Pancreatic Cancer Symptoms

Early detection is critical. Common symptoms include:

• Jaundice: Yellowing of the skin and eyes, dark urine, and light-coloured stools.

• Abdominal or Back Pain: Pain spreading to the sides or back.

• Weight Loss and Loss of Appetite: Unintentional weight loss and decreased appetite.

• Digestive Problems: Indigestion, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or constipation.

• Fatigue: Persistent tiredness or weakness.

• Changes in Blood Sugar: New-onset or difficult-to-control diabetes.

• Blood Clots: Deep vein thrombosis may be an early sign.

• Itchy Skin: Persistent itching, often associated with jaundice.

Any persistent symptoms should prompt a discussion with your doctor.

A Vision for the Future

DCWC celebrates the dedication and work of Prof. Putoczki, Dr. Lee, their colleagues and the broader pancreatic cancer research community represents for their approach to tackling one of Australia’s most formidable health challenges.

To learn more about WEHI's pancreatic cancer research, visit the Walter and Eliza Hall Institute website. Visit the newly launched PURPLE Translational Registry, and for information on pancreatic cancer awareness and support, visit PanKind.

About WEHI: A Century of Medical Excellence

Founded in 1915, the Walter and Eliza Hall Institute is Australia's oldest medical research institute. For over a century, WEHI researchers have made groundbreaking discoveries in cancer, infectious diseases, immune disorders, developmental disorders, and healthy aging.

DCWC has proudly partnered with WEHI since 1981, participating in the institute's initial establishment and its redevelopment in 2012. Over the past decade, DCWC has donated $390,000 to support WEHI's pancreatic cancer research, underscoring our unwavering commitment to finding solutions for this devastating disease. To read more.