A two-pronged drug approach for pancreatic cancer
Co-targeting BET Bromodomain Proteins and MNK Kinases in Pancreatic Cancer
This project combines drugs that block BET proteins and MNK kinases to try to shrink pancreatic tumors and help the immune system fight pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Northwestern University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Chicago, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11294313 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers plan to combine BET inhibitors, which can slow cancer cell growth and normalize the tumor stroma, with MNK inhibitors, which affect protein production and can increase CD8+ T cell presence. They will map the molecular feedback loops that limit how well BET inhibitors work and test whether co-targeting MNK improves outcomes. The team will use laboratory models and animal experiments to study effects on cancer cells, tumor-associated fibroblasts, macrophages, and CD8+ T-cell infiltration. Results are intended to inform future clinical testing in people with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), especially those whose tumors are not responding to current treatments, would be the intended candidates for eventual clinical testing.
Not a fit: Patients with cancers other than PDAC or those who cannot tolerate targeted kinase inhibitors would likely not benefit from this specific approach.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could better shrink pancreatic tumors, improve immune attack on cancer cells, and make targeted treatments work more effectively.
How similar studies have performed: Previous preclinical work shows BET inhibitors can slow PDAC growth and MNK inhibition can enhance immune cell infiltration, but combining them is a newer strategy still being tested in the lab.
Where this research is happening
Chicago, United States
- Northwestern University — Chicago, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Munshi, Hidayatullah G. — Northwestern University
- Study coordinator: Munshi, Hidayatullah G.
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 below.