Blocking MK2 to help chemotherapy work better in pancreatic cancer
Project 3: Targeting Stress-induced MK2 as Novel Strategy in Pancreatic Cancer
This Phase 1 trial will see if adding an MK2-blocking drug to standard chemotherapy helps people with advanced pancreatic cancer respond better to treatment.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Washington University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Saint Louis, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11187267 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
In this Phase 1 clinical trial you would receive the standard FOLFIRINOX chemotherapy along with an experimental MK2 inhibitor called ATI-450. The team will start with low doses to find a safe level, closely monitor side effects, and collect blood and tumor markers to look for biological effects. Doctors will also use scans and clinical exams to look for early signs that tumors are shrinking or stabilizing. Participation involves regular clinic visits, blood tests, and imaging while treatments are given at the study center.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Adults with locally advanced or metastatic pancreatic cancer who are eligible for FOLFIRINOX and meet the study's health and lab criteria would be ideal candidates.
Not a fit: People with early-stage, surgically resectable pancreatic cancer, those who cannot tolerate FOLFIRINOX, or those with serious medical problems that prevent trial participation are unlikely to benefit from this trial.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, adding an MK2 inhibitor could make chemotherapy work better and improve tumor response in people with pancreatic cancer.
How similar studies have performed: Laboratory and animal studies show MK2 blockade can sensitize pancreatic cancer cells to chemotherapy, but this specific combination has not yet been proven effective in humans.
Where this research is happening
Saint Louis, United States
- Washington University — Saint Louis, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Lim, Kian H — Washington University
- Study coordinator: Lim, Kian H
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.