Clearing harmful aging-like (senescent) cells to help treat pancreatic cancer
Official title: Targeting cellular senescense in pancreatic cancer
Funded at Translational Genomics Research Inst · NIH-11266236 · Data updated 2026-11-12
Researchers are trying an antibody that removes senescent cells to see if it helps chemotherapy and immunotherapy work better for people with pancreatic cancer.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Translational Genomics Research Inst NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Phoenix, United States) |
| Project start | February 1, 2025 |
| Project end | January 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $224,400 |
| NIH project number | 5R21CA299593-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11266236 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates would be people diagnosed with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma, particularly those with dense, fibrotic tumors or tumors that are resistant to standard treatments.
✕Less likely to help
People without pancreatic cancer or whose tumors lack senescent/pro-fibrotic features are unlikely to receive direct benefit from this work.
What this research studies
This project focuses on an antibody called SIWA318 that targets senescent, pro-fibrotic cells in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). Scientists will study how removing these cells changes the tumor microenvironment, including whether it reduces scarring and allows immune cells and drugs to reach tumors more effectively. The team will test the antibody alone and combined with standard chemotherapy or immune checkpoint inhibitors in translational preclinical models and related experiments. Findings will guide whether this approach could move toward patient testing.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, removing senescent cells could improve drug delivery and immune responses, making existing chemotherapy and immunotherapy more effective for pancreatic cancer patients.
How similar studies have gone: Targeting senescent cells is a new and promising approach with supportive preclinical data, but clinical evidence in pancreatic cancer remains limited.
Where this research is happening
-
Translational Genomics Research Inst
Phoenix, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Han, Haiyong — Translational Genomics Research Inst
- Study coordinator: Han, Haiyong
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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.