Join Dino Verrelli, CEO and Founder of Project Purple, as we visit the University of Cincinnati Medical Center in Cincinnati, Ohio! In this video, we get an exclusive look at how a $375,000 Project Purple Research Recovery Grant is keeping critical pancreatic cancer research moving forward.
🔬 Inside the Lab with Dr. Andrew Waters
We sat down with Andrew Waters, PhD, Assistant Professor in the Department of Cancer Biology at the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, to discuss his team’s groundbreaking work. Without philanthropic support, labs can lose six months to a year of vital research time, shutting down and starting back up. This grant directly funds both cutting-edge science and at least two PhD researchers so they can seamlessly maintain their momentum.
🧬 The Fight Against KRAS Mutations
Here is how these dedicated scientists are tackling pancreatic cancer at its source: The research team investigates the KRAS protein, which acts as a molecular switch signaling cells to divide and proliferate. In pancreatic cancer, this “light switch” becomes broken and gets stuck in the “on” position, causing cells to grow uncontrollably and form invasive tumors.
Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is the most common form of the disease and accounts for roughly 90% of all pancreatic cancers. While over 90% of PDAC patients possess KRAS mutations, currently 99% of this specific population lacks an FDA-approved targeted treatment option.
By studying various pre-clinical models, the lab analyzes patient tissue to predict mechanisms of resistance to new KRAS inhibitors. The ultimate goal is to transition away from traditional, non-specific chemotherapy and move toward individualized precision medicine. This targeted approach aims to extend patient survival, achieve full remissions, and radically improve the standard of care.
💜 Support the Cure
We cannot do what we do without investment from donors like you. The research presented here relies on direct support to move precision medicine from the laboratory bench to the patient’s bedside. Donate today to continue supporting groundbreaking pancreatic cancer research!
