Professor Chris Halloran BSc, MB ChB (commend), MD, FRCS (Eng), FRCS (Gen Surg), SFHEA, FRSCEd (ad hom)

1. To explore the translational use of nanoparticles as tools for diagnosis through to treatment of pancreatic cancer.This novel nano-medical device being delivered to pancreatic cancer cell lines by the attraction of the hydrophobically-modified superparamagnetic iron(II,III) oxide cores in response to external magnet placement; antibody to tumour specific antigen facilitated uptake of nano-hybrid into cancer cells by endocytosis and release of the chemotherapeutic drug - gemcitabine through a pH-dependent mechanism whereby the hydrophobically-modified prodrug which is arranged in the mixed hydrophobic core of the nano-composite hydrolyses in response to the acid environment of the late endosome. Our findings will allow a theronostic approach to the treatment of this tumour.

2. Genophenotype and clinical biomarker correlations in chronic pancreatitis. We will look at patients with chronic pancreatitis and evaluate relevant bio-markers including serum and radiological (by computer tomography). This is supported through several RCS(Eng) research fellowship.

3. Molecular Markers in Intraductal Papiliary Mucinious Neoplasms. Interrogation clinical bio-markers with matched clinical data to inform us of risk of transformation of these pre-malignant cystic lesions into invasive pancreatic cancer. This work feeds into the IMMPACT study, listed below.
This will be linked into the Liverpool IPMN Screening Pathway (LISP).

1. New on set Diabetes Mellitus (NoD) as a Bio-Marker for the diagnosis of Pancreatic Cancer. We will screen NoD patients who are >50years and <6months from diagnosis. These patients will be tested for unique molecular signatures along with other bespoke biomarkers to help diagnose pancreatic cancer EARLIER. CRUK has funded this program. I am the clinical lead responsible for the entire cohort recruitment (2,500 subjects) and its management (work-package 1).

2. Development of techniques of pancreatic necrosectomy. We are reviewing our local data of minimal access retroperitoneal pancreatic necrosectomy (MARPN) vs. endoscopic pancreatic necrosectomy. A treatment algorithm is being developed to determine best practice. Part of this project will also evaluate metal vs.plastic stents as treatment for post inflammatory pseudocysts. I have devised and undertaken the first series of Single Access laparoscopic Necrosectomy (SILs-N) for pancreatic necrosis.

3. PANasta-T
This will be undertaken upon the blood samples collected from PANasta trial. We will aim to investigate the cause of anastomotic failure.

4. Clinical Lead European Registry of Hereditary Pancreatic Diseases EUROPAC
I oversee the clinical component and chair weekly meetings, which discusses research and potential registrants / eligibility for screening. People from affected families are recruited (questionnaires and a blood sample). EUROPAC has three main elements of research: Familial Pancreatic Cancer Registry; Hereditary Pancreatitis Registry and the Secondary Screening Study. This is aimed at people who are at increased risk of pancreatic cancer, following an assessment and entry into the familial pancreatic cancer registry or the hereditary pancreatitis registry.

1. Cattell-Warren versus Blumgart techniques of panreatico- jejunostomy following pancreato-duodenectomy. The PANasta trial is funded by Cancer Research UK (CRUKE13/019).

2. Clinical validation of a serum protein biomarker signature for the early diagnosis of pancreatic cancer and cystic neoplasms (IMMPACT Trial) - discussed above.

3. EUROPAC-2. We will investigate the efficacy of antioxidants and magnesium for the treatment of Hereditary Pancreatitis and Idiopathic Chronic Pancreatitis.