ROLFE PANCREATIC CANCER FOUNDATION

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Grants Awarded

Rolfe funding is awarded through a rigorous review process that ensures it goes to premier medical researchers focused on pancreatic cancer.

By awarding grants to top scientific minds and premier medical institutions like Johns Hopkins and the University of Chicago, Rolfe Foundation champions the early detection research that will improve outcomes in pancreatic cancer detection and treatment.

Over the years, we have allocated funding for a number of groundbreaking projects. Read more about our most recently awarded grants below or see the latest updates on all grants via the 2025 Impact Infographic.



2025 Grants Awarded

2025 Grants Awarded

Revealing the Origin of Pancreatic Cancer Metastases

Dr. Parnas’s groundbreaking research explores how and when pancreatic cancer cells spread to other organs. By leveraging cutting-edge tools like single-cell RNA and CRISPR screening, his team aims to uncover early detection markers and identify weaknesses in the metastatic process, a critical step in improving patient outcomes.

Principal Investigator: Dr. Oren Parnas, Hebrew University of Jerusalem

Digital Tools for Risk Assessment

This project addresses disparities in genetic testing and early cancer detection, particularly among underserved populations, by implementing a patient-directed digital cancer risk tool.

Principal Investigators: Drs. Sonia Kupfer, Christine Drogan, Ophir Gilad, and Emma Keel, University of Chicago Medicine

Biomarker Discovery for Early Detection

This innovative study focuses on identifying lymphatic and interstitial fluid biomarkers, offering a less invasive and more precise pathway to detecting pancreatic cancer at earlier stages.

Principal Investigator: Dr. Alex Muir, University of Chicago Medicine

Johns Hopkins – Grant 1

Fibroblast Influence in Tumor Invasion: Investigating how cells in the tumor environment promote cancer spread using advanced 3-D tissue models.

Johns Hopkins – Grant 2

3-D Study of Liver Metastases: Dr. Ashley Kiemen’s work reconstructs liver metastases in unprecedented detail, revealing patterns of cancer spread and response to treatment.

Johns Hopkins – Grant 3

Fibroblast Characteristics in ATM-Deficient Cancers: Dr. Nicholas Roberts explores unique tumor environments in genetically predisposed cases, paving the way for personalized therapies.

Lustgarten Foundation

Lustgarten’s comprehensive research program focuses on improving patient outcomes. Its programs include early detection and interception, therapeutic development, and personalized medicine, which brings cutting-edge science from the lab to the clinic.

Wellness House

Providing free, life-changing programs to improve the emotional and physical well-being of cancer patients and their loved ones.

Cancer Wellness Center (Northbrook)

Offering vital counseling, support groups, wellness activities, and outreach to patients and families affected by pancreatic cancer.

View Full Details of Our Awarded Grants: