Blocking harmful cell-to-cell signals in pancreatic cancer
Elucidation and targeting of paracrine cascades in PDAC
['FUNDING_U01'] · COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY HEALTH SCIENCES · NIH-11163415
This project looks for and targets the signaling 'conversations' between pancreatic tumors and nearby support cells to help treatments work better for people with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_U01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY HEALTH SCIENCES (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (NEW YORK, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11163415 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
This work will map how pancreatic cancer cells and the surrounding stromal cells communicate inside tumors. Researchers will analyze patient tumor samples and use lab models to trace chains of signaling molecules that protect tumors and block drug delivery. They will test ways to interrupt those signaling cascades in preclinical models to find interventions that improve drug access and immune activity. The findings are intended to point to targets for future clinical trials in people with pancreatic cancer.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People diagnosed with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma, especially those who can provide tumor tissue or enroll at a participating research center, would be the most relevant candidates.
Not a fit: Patients with cancers other than pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma or those unable or unwilling to provide tissue samples or travel to study sites are unlikely to benefit directly from this project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could lead to new therapies that improve drug delivery and make existing treatments more effective for pancreatic cancer patients.
How similar studies have performed: Previous attempts to remodel the pancreatic tumor stroma had mixed or harmful results, so this more comprehensive approach to mapping signaling cascades is relatively novel and designed to avoid past pitfalls.
Where this research is happening
NEW YORK, UNITED STATES
- COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY HEALTH SCIENCES — NEW YORK, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: OLIVE, KENNETH P. — COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY HEALTH SCIENCES
- Study coordinator: OLIVE, KENNETH P.
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.