A new gene therapy to treat pancreatic cancer by enhancing immune response
Official title: A novel gene therapy approach targeting STING-silenced cold tumors
Funded at University of Pennsylvania · NIH-10752705 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing a new treatment for pancreatic cancer that uses tiny particles to help your immune system recognize and fight the cancer better by turning on a specific gene that’s usually turned off in these tumors.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pennsylvania NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Philadelphia, United States) |
| Project start | December 9, 2022 |
| Project end | November 30, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $180,425 |
| NIH project number | 5R21CA267803-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10752705 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are patients diagnosed with pancreatic cancer who have limited treatment options due to the aggressive nature of the disease.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with non-cancerous conditions or those with pancreatic cancer that is not STING-silenced may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research aims to develop a novel immunotherapy using mRNA-lipid nanoparticles to target pancreatic cancer, which is known for its aggressive nature and resistance to existing treatments. The approach focuses on reactivating a gene called STING that is often silenced in these tumors, which can help stimulate the immune system to attack cancer cells more effectively. By enhancing the infiltration of immune cells into the tumor microenvironment, this therapy seeks to improve patient outcomes in a condition that currently has limited treatment options.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to a groundbreaking treatment for pancreatic cancer, potentially improving survival rates and quality of life for patients.
How similar studies have gone: While the approach of targeting STING in cancer therapy is relatively novel, preliminary studies have shown promise in enhancing immune responses in similar contexts.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Pennsylvania
Philadelphia, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: You, Jianxin — University of Pennsylvania
- Study coordinator: You, Jianxin
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.