OncoSil Medical CEO Nigel Lange available for expert commentary on locally advanced pancreatic cancer, treatment innovation and the need for earlier detection
Ahead of World Cancer Day this Wednesday February 4, Australian medical device company OncoSil Medical Ltd (ASX: OSL) is calling for greater awareness and urgency around pancreatic cancer, a disease that is often diagnosed late and remains one of the most challenging cancers to treat.
The call comes as Australians reflect on the recent death of Rob Hirst, the legendary drummer, songwriter and founding member of Midnight Oil, which has brought pancreatic cancer into sharp national focus. Hirst died on 20 January, aged 70, following a three-year battle with the disease - a stark reminder of the limited treatment options available and the many lives affected each year.
Pancreatic cancer is now the third leading cause of cancer-related death in Australia1. While incidence rates have steadily increased over the past two decades, survival outcomes remain poor, with a five-year relative survival rate of around 14 per cent2. The disease is frequently diagnosed at an advanced stage, meaning many patients are not eligible for surgery.
Nigel Lange, CEO of OncoSil Medical, said the national attention prompted by Hirst’s passing is a reminder of why renewed focus on research, awareness and access to emerging treatment options is so important.
“Rob Hirst’s death has brought pancreatic cancer into sharp focus for many Australians,” he said. “It’s a devastating disease that is too often detected late, with profound consequences for patients and families. World Cancer Day is a powerful moment to shine a light on the scale of this challenge and the need for continued progress.”
Addressing a critical unmet need in locally advanced pancreatic cancer
A significant proportion of pancreatic cancer patients are diagnosed when the tumour is locally advanced and unresectable, meaning surgery is not an option. For these patients, treatment pathways can be complex and outcomes are often poor.
OncoSil™, developed by OncoSil Medical, is an innovative brachytherapy (internal radiotherapy) device designed to deliver targeted radiation directly into the tumour in combination with chemotherapy, with the aim of improving local tumour control and quality of life for patients.
“OncoSil™ represents a new approach in the fight against pancreatic cancer,” Mr Lange said. “By delivering radiation precisely where it’s needed, we hope to extend meaningful survival while preserving quality of life.”
Mr Lange also emphasised the importance of awareness and collaboration:
“World Cancer Day is an opportunity for all Australians - patients, clinicians, researchers and policymakers - to come together and focus on improving outcomes for those facing pancreatic cancer.”
1 2Source: Australian Institute of Health and Welfare: https://www.aihw.gov.au/reports/cancer/cancer-data-in-australia/contents/overview#pancreatic
About us:
About OncoSil Medical
OncoSil Medical is an Australian medical device company pioneering targeted internal radiotherapy solutions. The OncoSil™ System is indicated for the treatment of patients with locally advanced unresectable pancreatic cancer, providing an additional treatment option alongside standard chemotherapy.
For more information, visit www.oncosil.com
For more information on World Cancer Day, visit: https://www.
Contact details:
Media contact:
Gaby Hold
The Capital Network
E: gaby@thecapitalnetwork.com.au
M:+61 411 364 382
NOTES TO EDITORS:
Available for interview:
Nigel Lange, Chief Executive Officer, OncoSil Medical Ltd.
Topics: pancreatic cancer awareness, locally advanced unresectable pancreatic cancer (LAPC), treatment pathways, targeted intratumoural therapies, medtech innovation in Australia.
