A Groundbreaking Win for UOW Researchers

The University of Wollongong (UOW) is celebrating a major milestone in cancer research after its innovative implantable chemo-immunotherapy device for pancreatic cancer clinched the People's Choice Award in the Problem Solver category at the 2025 Shaping Australia Awards. This national recognition, voted by the public with over 6,284 votes out of 42,500, highlights the transformative potential of university-led breakthroughs in addressing one of Australia's deadliest diseases. The project, titled "Targeted Hope: Redefining Treatment for Pancreatic Cancer," showcases how Australian higher education institutions are driving real-world solutions through cutting-edge biomedical engineering and immunology.

Led by recent PhD graduate Dr. Elahe Minaei and supervised by Associate Professor Kara Vine-Perrow, the device represents a leap forward from traditional systemic treatments. By delivering drugs directly to the tumor site, it promises fewer side effects and better outcomes for patients facing inoperable pancreatic tumors. This accolade not only validates the team's efforts but also underscores UOW's role in fostering translational research that bridges lab discoveries to clinical impact.

The Pancreatic Cancer Challenge in Australia

Pancreatic cancer remains a formidable adversary, claiming nearly as many lives as it diagnoses. In 2025, an estimated 4,825 new cases were projected, with 4,039 deaths, making it the third leading cause of cancer mortality in the country. The five-year survival rate hovers around 14%, a modest improvement from 3.1% three decades ago, but still dismal compared to other cancers. Age-standardized incidence has risen from 13 to 17 per 100,000 people since 1982, driven by aging populations and lifestyle factors like smoking, obesity, and diabetes.

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), the most common form, is particularly aggressive. Dense fibrotic stroma shields tumors from drugs and immune cells, rendering 80-90% of cases inoperable at diagnosis. Systemic chemotherapy, such as FOLFIRINOX, offers limited benefits but causes severe toxicity, while immunotherapy often fails due to the "cold" immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment. Australian universities like UOW are at the forefront of tackling these barriers, emphasizing the critical need for localized therapies.

• Incidence: 17 per 100,000 (higher in males).
• Mortality: 15 per 100,000.
• Survival: Only 14% at five years post-2017-2021 diagnoses.
• Trend: Cases doubled in 40 years, with projections stable or rising into 2026.

UOW's Targeted Cancer Therapeutics Research Laboratory

Housed within UOW's Molecular Horizons initiative, the Targeted Cancer Therapeutics Research Laboratory exemplifies how Australian universities are pioneering drug delivery innovations. This facility integrates biomaterials, immunology, and pharmacology to develop next-generation implants for solid tumors. UOW's strength in this area stems from interdisciplinary expertise, including advanced 3D printing and polymer engineering, positioning it as a hub for translational oncology.

The lab's work aligns with national priorities, supported by funding from the Medical Research Future Fund (MRFF) and Australian Research Council (ARC). For aspiring researchers, opportunities abound in higher ed research jobs at institutions like UOW, where PhD programs blend fundamental science with clinical translation. This environment not only advances knowledge but also equips graduates for careers in academia and biotech.

Spotlight on the Research Pioneers

Dr. Elahe Minaei's journey is deeply personal; motivated by her father's battle with pancreatic cancer and the ravages of chemotherapy, she pursued a PhD at UOW starting in 2022. Holding a Master's in Immunology from Iran, Minaei combined her expertise with UOW's resources to pioneer the implantable device. Her accolades include the UOW Three-Minute Thesis People's Choice, Dr. Margaret Gardiner Scholarship, and Promega Rising Researcher Award, culminating in the Shaping Australia honor.

Associate Professor Kara Vine-Perrow, a Cancer Institute NSW Career Development Fellow, supervises the lab. With a focus on cancer therapeutics, she has guided multiple projects from bench to bedside. The broader team includes Distinguished Professor Gordon Wallace (polymer expert), Professor Peter Innis, Dr. Samantha Wade, and collaborators from University of South Australia and clinicians like Professor Morteza Aghmesheh. Their synergy highlights collaborative higher education models driving innovation.

"In pancreatic cancer, the immune system often doesn’t recognise the tumour as a threat," Minaei explains. "Our goal is to take this research from the lab into the clinic."

How the Implantable Device Works: A Step-by-Step Breakdown

The ResectAssist™ device is a biocompatible, biodegradable polymer implant, 3D-printed for precision. Here's how it revolutionizes treatment:

1. Insertion: Surgically placed directly into or adjacent to the pancreatic tumor via minimally invasive endoscopy or laparoscopy.
2. Phased Drug Release: Mimics clinical regimens, starting with high-dose chemotherapy (e.g., FOLFIRINOX components) to debulk the tumor.
3. Immunotherapy Activation: Follows with localized delivery of immune checkpoint inhibitors (anti-PD1) and immunomodulators, priming T-cells against cancer cells.
4. Tumor Microenvironment Modulation: Overcomes stroma barriers, reduces immunosuppression, and enhances immune infiltration.
5. Biodegradation: Fully dissolves over weeks, eliminating removal surgery.

This targeted approach contrasts with intravenous systemic therapy, which dilutes drugs (only 0.1% reach tumors) and causes widespread toxicity.

Photo by Beena deming on Unsplash

Preclinical Success and Key Advantages

In KPC mouse models of PDAC, the implant slowed tumor growth, extended survival, and preserved gut microbiome diversity—crucial for immunity—unlike systemic chemo. Human spatial transcriptomics via Xenium platform informed next-gen formulations, optimizing immune gene expression.

• Efficacy: Converts inoperable tumors to resectable, enabling curative surgery.
• Safety: Minimizes nausea, fatigue, and organ damage; no over-immune activation.
• Microbiome Preservation: Supports treatment tolerance.
• Scalability: Uses approved drugs for faster trials; $7B market potential by 2030.

A 2024 review by Minaei et al. in Journal of Controlled Release details how localized delivery circumvents PDAC's immunosuppressive stroma.Read the study

Funding, Partnerships, and Path to Clinic

UOW secured $500,000 from NSW Economic Accelerate Ignite Grants—the maximum award—for manufacturing and trials. Partner FivepHusion licensed ResectAssist™ in 2024, accelerating commercialization. Collaborators include oncologists and UniSA pharmacologists.

Next: First-in-human trials pending ethics approval, aiming to validate safety and efficacy. UOW's ecosystem, including career advice for researchers, supports scaling. For jobs in this field, explore Australian university opportunities.

Patient Impact and Healthcare Transformation

For patients, this means more quality time: less pain, sustained strength for family moments, and hope via tumor shrinkage for surgery. Systemically, it cuts hospital stays, palliative needs, and costs—vital amid rising cases.

UOW Vice-Chancellor Prof. G.Q. Max Lu: "This pioneering work... delivers impact where needed most." Industry calls it a "game changer" for solid tumors.

UOW's Role in Australian Higher Education Innovation

UOW exemplifies how regional universities lead nationally. Molecular Horizons fosters PhD talent like Minaei, producing award-winning research. Ties to global ed trends and funding position Aus unis for biotech leadership.

Students interested in oncology can pursue research assistant roles or postdoc paths.

Expert Views and Broader Perspectives

Oncologist Prof. Morteza Aghmesheh: Device could "transform care." PubMed reviews affirm localized strategies' promise.

Photo by National Cancer Institute on Unsplash

Future Outlook: From Lab to Lifesaving Therapy

With trials imminent, success could redefine PDAC standards, inspiring similar implants for other cancers. UOW eyes global partnerships, aligning with Australia's biotech push. Challenges: Regulatory hurdles, scaling production—but momentum is strong.

For career inspiration, check Rate My Professor for UOW faculty or higher ed jobs.

Why This Matters for Higher Education and Beyond

UOW's triumph spotlights universities' role in solving grand challenges. It attracts talent, funding, and collaborations, benefiting research assistants in Australia. Explore university jobs, higher ed careers, or advice to join such missions. Share your thoughts below and rate professors driving change at Rate My Professor.