Fundraisers Venture Behind the Scenes of Research Project

North West Cancer Research Southport Fundraising Committee travelled to Liverpool city centre in early March for an exclusive behind the scenes look at one of the labs undertaking life-saving cancer research right here in the city.

Professor Ainhoa Mielgo and her team welcomed the group into their lab, where they are aiming to identify the ‘negative immune checkpoint regulators’ that are active in pancreatic cancer and ultimately develop treatments to target these, reinvigorating the patient’s immune system to fight pancreatic cancer.

Negative immune checkpoint regulators are molecules that reduce the effectiveness of cytotoxic T cells, a key part of the immune system responsible for identifying and destroying damaged or abnormal cells. By interfering with T cell activity, these regulators can weaken the body’s ability to fight diseases such as cancer.

The fundraisers got to see the live experiments the team are working on and how they are battling pancreatic cancer, which poses a significant public health problem in the North West.

Jane Sinclair, Chair of Southport Committee, said: “It was such a great, informative day. To see what is being done day in and out to research the causes of cancer and how to prevent it by such enthusiastic and clever people, was fascinating.

“I feel privileged to be part of the team raising money for this fantastic Charity. All the Committee, including members old and new, are keen to raise as much money for the Charity as we can.

“We’re looking forward to a year of exciting events including a Wine Night, our famous Summer Sparkle, Ladies’ Afternoon Tea and then a Call My Bluff evening later in the year.”