The Herb Kosten Foundation for Pancreatic Cancer has awarded a $300,000 grant to the University of Tennessee Health Science Center to support its pancreatic cancer research efforts.
Pancreatic cancer is one of the most difficult diseases to diagnose, primarily because there are no definitive symptoms. It is also the third-deadliest form of cancer.
Research efforts are led by Subhash Chauhan, PhD, a National Institutes of Health-funded investigator and professor in the Departments of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Pathology in the UTHSC Colleges of Pharmacy and Medicine. The Chauhan lab focuses on pancreatic and colorectal cancer, specifically exploring the pathogenesis and treatment options for both diseases.
“We are very proud to have supported Subhash and UT,” said Alan Kosten, chairman of the Kosten Foundation. “We really feel the present group is doing the things we feel will help end pancreatic cancer.”
Research takes place in The Dermon II Family and Herb Kosten Foundation Pancreatic Cancer Research Center at UTHSC that was established through a $200,000 grant from the foundation in 2016. It is located in the Cancer Research Building on campus.
The newest grant will support doctoral students, the purchase of new lab equipment, and continued research efforts at UTHSC for pancreatic cancer, the disease that claimed the Kosten Foundation’s namesake, Herb Kosten.
The foundation’s goal is to improve community support, awareness, and funding for the disease. The organization has raised more than $1.5 million for pancreatic cancer research and hosts a monthly support group meeting for patients, their families, and anyone interested in learning more about pancreatic cancer.
“Our group is not going to stop until the job is finished,” Alan Kosten said in presenting the grant.