Project Purple is honored to announce that Dr. Peter J. Allen, MD, a distinguished leader in pancreatic cancer research and a valued member of the Project Purple community, has been appointed Chair of Surgery at the Duke University School of Medicine. Previously serving as Chief of the Division of Surgical Oncology, Dr. Allen’s elevation to this prestigious role recognizes his outstanding leadership, clinical expertise, and unwavering dedication to advancing surgical care and cancer research.
In his new role, Dr. Allen will help guide Duke Medicine’s vision toward innovation, collaboration, and excellence in patient care and research. Duke’s official announcement, which you can read here, highlights his commitment to fostering an environment that integrates cutting-edge scientific discovery with compassionate clinical practice, furthering progress in pancreatic cancer and other complex surgical diseases.
Dr. Allen’s career is marked by significant contributions to surgical oncology, with particular emphasis on pancreatic cancer. He completed his surgical training at Walter Reed Army Medical Center, followed by a surgical oncology fellowship at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, where he later led clinical and research programs in pancreatic neoplasia and held the Murray F. Brennan Endowed Chair in Surgery.
Since joining Duke in 2018, Dr. Allen has led efforts to advance research focused on early detection, novel therapeutic strategies, and improved outcomes for patients with pancreatic neoplasms. His work has placed particular emphasis on intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms (IPMNs), which are recognized precursors to pancreatic cancer.
This milestone represents not only a significant personal achievement for Dr. Allen, but also an important advancement for Project Purple and the shared mission to find a cure for pancreatic cancer. As a pivotal member of our newly established Multi-Disciplinary Research Committee, Dr. Allen brings extensive surgical and research experience and insight to the table. The committee brings together a diverse group of top scientists, clinicians, and researchers dedicated to identifying and supporting bold, high-impact projects aimed at early detection, innovative treatments, and prevention of pancreatic cancer. You can meet the brilliant minds driving this work here.
Project Purple’s financial support has played a critical role in fueling Duke’s pancreatic cancer programs, with over $350,000 in grants awarded across multiple projects. Dr. Allen has either spearheaded or been closely involved with many of these initiatives, lending his expertise and leadership to ensure the success of cutting-edge studies.
In particular, last year, Project Purple awarded $150,000 to support Dr. Allen and his team’s crucial research on spatial profiling of IPMNs, exploring approaches to preventing pancreatic cancer progression. Additionally, $100,000 was granted to fellow Duke researcher Dr. Kanu for genomic profiling research that complements Dr. Allen’s work. Furthering this momentum, Project Purple provided an additional $100,000 to complete Duke’s Prevention of Progression to Pancreatic Cancer Human Randomized Control Trial, a pivotal study led by Dr. Allen aimed at intercepting pancreatic cancer at its earliest stages.
For those interested in Dr. Allen’s groundbreaking work, watch our exclusive behind-the-scenes video tour of Duke’s research laboratories, where he discusses the vital importance of early detection and the transformative impact of research powered by Project Purple’s support.
Dr. Allen’s promotion to Chair of Surgery is a remarkable achievement that reflects his passion, skill, and vision. His leadership will undoubtedly foster further innovation at Duke, amplifying the impact of the work we fund together. Project Purple is extremely proud to call Dr. Allen a partner in this fight against pancreatic cancer, and we are excited for the future discoveries his leadership will help unlock. We invite you to join us in extending sincere congratulations to Dr. Allen on this well-deserved accomplishment.
