TYPE: New Zealand Research Study
STATUS: In set up
GCF CONTRIBUTION: $99,923.00

Dr Howe Mao is a general surgeon specialising in hepatopancreaticobiliary (HPB) surgery. He is currently a research fellow and PhD candidate at the University of Auckland, with a focused interest in the genetics of pancreatic cancer. 

Late-stage diagnosis, disease recurrence, and resistance to systemic treatments make pancreatic cancer one of the most aggressive cancers. Addressing these complex issues requires a multifaceted approach including identifying suitable patients for complex surgery, development of targeted therapy, improving screening and diagnostic accuracy. At the heart of these efforts lies a deeper understanding of the tumour's genetic and biological characteristics. 

Although significant progress has been made internationally in defining the molecular profile of pancreatic cancer, New Zealand’s diverse ethnic composition presents a unique opportunity to generate new insights. Moreover, Māori and Pacific Peoples suffer disproportionately poorer outcomes from pancreatic cancer. This project provides a critical opportunity to address these inequities and contribute to meaningful advancements in the field. 

Through partnership with the Te Ira Kāwai Auckland Regional Biobank, the stewardship of biobanked samples can be ensured, enabling sustained contributions to pancreatic cancer research for years to come. Through Māori and Pacific consultation and partnership, we will substantially expand current Aotearoa-led models for ethical and safe practices in biobanking and genetic research. 

Dr Mao is collaborating with a multidisciplinary team of surgeons and scientists, including HPB surgeons Dr Sanket Srinivasa and Professor Jonathan Koea, Professor Cristin Print from the Department of Molecular Medicine and Pathology, Research Fellow Dr Anassuya Ramachandran, and Head of Oncology Dr Ben Lawrence. 

Dr Mao says "our partnership with the Gut Cancer Foundation is vital. Their generous support has been instrumental to initiating this research and we are deeply grateful for Gut Cancer Foundation for enabling us to address pancreatic cancer and the associated health inequities affecting Māori and Pacific Peoples." 

July 2025 Update

We would like to thank the Gut Cancer Foundation for its continued support of this research. Over the past six months, we have made solid progress on the pancreatic cancer genomic analysis project. Quality control assessment has been completed on biobanked pancreatic cancer tissue samples, including those from Māori, Pacific, and other New Zealand patients. DNA extraction from fresh frozen tumour samples has proceeded according to the project timeline.

Notably, several of the included samples date back more than ten years old. The primary focus of quality control has been the assessment of DNA yield and integrity, which have both reassuringly been confirmed to be suitable for sequencing and analysis.

In parallel, we have begun preparatory work to support prospective sample collection, as outlined in our original proposal. This includes the development of engagement plans and ethics protocols, with a particular focus on increasing representation of Māori and Pacific patients within the pancreatic cancer biobank. We anticipate that sequencing and preliminary analysis will begin shortly as we move into the next phase of the project.

July 2026 update
The research team has made good progress towards building a clearer picture of pancreatic cancer in Aotearoa New Zealand.

Tissue samples from 38 patients have now been identified across North Shore, Auckland City and Middlemore hospitals. The team has successfully extracted DNA and RNA from an initial six patients, prioritising samples from Māori and Pacific patients. Testing has confirmed that the DNA is suitable for whole genome sequencing, which will allow researchers to examine its complete genetic makeup. Eleven samples from these patients are now being prepared for sequencing.

Alongside this work, pancreatic cancer biobanking has restarted at North Shore Hospital. Over the past nine months, 13 patients have agreed to contribute samples, with seven tissue samples and nine blood samples successfully collected. The team is also improving how samples are collected and stored so they can support high-quality research in the future.

A clinical genomics specialist has joined the project to help interpret the sequencing results. Together, this work is laying the foundations for a sustainable pancreatic cancer biobank and research programme that better reflects the people of Aotearoa New Zealand.

Thank you to our donors for making this important progress possible.