Combining a drug with radiation to improve treatment for pancreatic cancer
Official title: Project 1: Combining PARP inhibition with radiation to sensitize HR proficient pancreatic cancers to immunotherapy
Funded at University of Michigan at Ann Arbor · NIH-10917024 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how using a combination of special drugs that help fix DNA damage and radiation therapy can boost the immune system's ability to fight pancreatic cancer, and if you're dealing with locally advanced pancreatic cancer, you might have a chance to join a clinical trial to see how well this works.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Michigan at Ann Arbor NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Ann Arbor, United States) |
| Project start | August 14, 2023 |
| Project end | July 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $226,873 |
| NIH project number | 5P50CA269022-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10917024 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are patients diagnosed with locally advanced pancreatic cancer who are seeking new treatment options.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with early-stage pancreatic cancer or those who have already undergone extensive treatment may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how combining PARP inhibitors, which help repair DNA damage, with radiation therapy can enhance the immune response in patients with pancreatic cancer. The approach aims to make the cancer cells more susceptible to immunotherapy by increasing the damage to their DNA and stimulating the immune system. The study will explore the mechanisms behind this combination and its effectiveness in sensitizing tumors to treatment. Patients with locally advanced pancreatic cancer may have the opportunity to participate in clinical trials based on these findings.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective treatment options for patients with pancreatic cancer, potentially improving survival rates.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results when combining PARP inhibitors with other therapies, indicating potential for success in this novel approach.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Michigan at Ann Arbor
Ann Arbor, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Morgan, Meredith a — University of Michigan at Ann Arbor
- Study coordinator: Morgan, Meredith a
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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.