Blocking acid-handling in pancreatic cancer cells
Discovery of Novel Inhibitors Targeting trans-Golgi Network Acidification in Pancreatic Cancer
['FUNDING_R01'] · SANFORD BURNHAM PREBYS MEDICAL DISCOVERY INSTITUTE · NIH-11283957
New drug compounds aim to block a cell pathway pancreatic cancer cells use to survive, with the goal of helping people with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | SANFORD BURNHAM PREBYS MEDICAL DISCOVERY INSTITUTE (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (LA JOLLA, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11283957 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
Researchers at Sanford Burnham are developing small molecules that interfere with a process cancer cells use to remove excess acid from their insides, a process that normal cells do not rely on. In lab-grown pancreatic cancer cells and animal models, they will test whether these compounds force cancer cells to become too acidic and die while sparing healthy cells. The team will use biochemical assays, cellular models, and preclinical testing to find compounds that act on the trans-Golgi network and the NHE7 transporter. If promising compounds are found, the work could move toward safety testing and future clinical trials.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma, especially those whose tumors do not respond to standard therapies, would be the eventual candidates for treatments developed from this work.
Not a fit: Patients with non-PDAC pancreatic tumors or cancers that do not rely on this acid-handling mechanism are unlikely to benefit from this specific approach.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could lead to a new targeted treatment that selectively kills pancreatic cancer cells and may improve survival for people with this disease.
How similar studies have performed: Targeting cellular pH regulation is a relatively new approach with encouraging lab results but limited clinical success so far, so this strategy is novel and early-stage.
Where this research is happening
LA JOLLA, UNITED STATES
- SANFORD BURNHAM PREBYS MEDICAL DISCOVERY INSTITUTE — LA JOLLA, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: COMMISSO, COSIMO — SANFORD BURNHAM PREBYS MEDICAL DISCOVERY INSTITUTE
- Study coordinator: COMMISSO, COSIMO
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: Cancer Cause, Cancer Etiology, Cancer Treatment, Cancers