Blocking a protein to reduce pancreatic cancer spread
Official title: Inhibition of pleiotrophin to combat pancreatic cancer metastasis
Funded at Ut Southwestern Medical Center · NIH-10947200 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at a protein called Pleiotrophin to see if blocking it can help slow down the spread of pancreatic cancer and make treatments like chemotherapy and immunotherapy work better, which could lead to new options for patients facing this tough disease.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Ut Southwestern Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Dallas, United States) |
| Project start | June 1, 2024 |
| Project end | May 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $421,685 |
| NIH project number | 1R21CA286348-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-10947200 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma, particularly those with metastatic disease.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with non-pancreatic cancers or those whose pancreatic cancer is not metastatic may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of a protein called Pleiotrophin (PTN) in the spread of pancreatic cancer, specifically pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDA). The study aims to understand how inhibiting PTN can potentially reduce metastasis and improve the effectiveness of existing treatments like chemotherapy and immunotherapy. By using preclinical models, researchers will explore the therapeutic benefits of targeting PTN in pancreatic cancer, which currently has a very low survival rate. Patients may benefit from new treatment strategies that arise from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective treatments for pancreatic cancer, potentially improving survival rates and quality of life for patients.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in targeting PTN in other cancer models, suggesting potential for success in pancreatic cancer as well.
Where this research is happening
-
Ut Southwestern Medical Center
Dallas, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Brekken, Rolf a — Ut Southwestern Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Brekken, Rolf a
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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.