Blocking a protein to reduce pancreatic cancer spread
Inhibition of pleiotrophin to combat pancreatic cancer metastasis
['FUNDING_R21'] · UT SOUTHWESTERN MEDICAL CENTER · NIH-10947200
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
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R21'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | UT SOUTHWESTERN MEDICAL CENTER (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (DALLAS, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-10947200 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
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.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma, particularly those with metastatic disease.
Not a fit: Patients with non-pancreatic cancers or those whose pancreatic cancer is not metastatic may not benefit 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 performed: 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
DALLAS, UNITED STATES
- UT SOUTHWESTERN MEDICAL CENTER — DALLAS, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: BREKKEN, ROLF A — UT SOUTHWESTERN MEDICAL CENTER
- Study coordinator: BREKKEN, ROLF A
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.
Conditions: Breast Cancer, Cancers, neoplasm/cancer