Pancare Foundation · 1001 Kinase Research Campaign

1001 Ways to Make
a Difference

Support TAOK3 kinase research — targeting the molecular switch that drives pancreatic cancer growth and blocks the body's defences.

University of Melbourne · Department of Surgery · Austin Health, Melbourne

14%
5-year survival rate in Australia
90%
diagnosed at late stage
TAOK3
the cancer survival switch we're targeting
1001 Kinase Research TAOK3 stands for Thousand-and-one kinase 3. And there are a thousand-and-one reasons to support this research — but one is enough: the chance to change outcomes for pancreatic cancer patients.

Our Research Team

Professor Mehrdad Nikfarjam OAM

MD, PhD, FACS, FRACS

Founder of Pancare Foundation. Lead of the Pancreatic Cancer Biology Research Group at the University of Melbourne. One of Australia's most established experts in pancreatic cancer surgery and research.

Professor Marcos Perini

MD, PhD, FRACS

Highly experienced HPB and Liver Transplant Surgeon at Austin Hospital. Professor of Surgery at the University of Melbourne. Internationally recognised for research in liver, pancreas and bile duct diseases.

Dr James Tai

MD, FRACS · PhD Candidate

Surgeon and PhD Candidate with the Pancreatic Cancer Biology Research Group, University of Melbourne. Focused on the molecular mechanisms of TAOK3 in pancreatic cancer.

Dr Hong He

MD, BSc, PhD

Senior Research Fellow, Department of Surgery, University of Melbourne. Broad background in biomedical sciences with specific expertise in cancer biology, molecular mechanisms, and signalling-targeted therapy.

What is TAOK3?

Thousand-and-one kinase 3 (TAOK3) is a protein our research team has identified as a key driver of pancreatic tumour growth. Our preliminary data strongly suggests that TAOK3 stimulates tumour growth by blocking the body's immune response — the dense environment around the tumour prevents chemotherapy and the body's natural defences from reaching cancer cells.

By suppressing TAOK3, we aim to:

Aligned with Pancare's Next Frontier

This research aligns perfectly with Pancare Foundation's 2026–2028 "Next Frontier" Strategy — investing in high-risk, high-reward research that targets the mechanisms that make pancreatic cancer so aggressive. TAOK3 represents exactly the kind of precision medicine target that could transform outcomes.

Register Your Support

Share your details below and we'll redirect you to Pancare Foundation to complete your donation. We'll also keep you updated on how this research progresses.

✓ After submitting, you'll be taken to the Pancare Foundation donation page, where your gift will go specifically to the TAOK3 Research Program. All donations are tax-deductible.

⚠️ Important: The Pancare Foundation page will ask you to select a reason for donating — patient support, early detection, research, or other. Your donation will go to the TAOK3 Research Program regardless of what reason is selected. You may simply choose "Other" if you prefer.
Donations via Pancare Foundation · ABN 30 108 280 840 · Tax deductible · Secure payment

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