Combining a targeted tumor‑ablation technique with immunotherapy for pancreatic cancer
Development of irreversible electroporation-based rational combinations to potentiate the activity of cancer immunotherapy against pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma
['FUNDING_R01'] · UNIVERSITY OF TX MD ANDERSON CAN CTR · NIH-11263681
Seeing if pairing irreversible electroporation (a focused tumor‑destroying procedure) with immune‑boosting drugs can help people with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma respond better to treatment.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | UNIVERSITY OF TX MD ANDERSON CAN CTR (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (HOUSTON, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11263681 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
This work explores combining irreversible electroporation (IRE) — a focused electrical treatment already used in clinics to destroy tumor tissue — with immune checkpoint drugs to make pancreatic tumors more responsive to the immune system. Researchers are studying how IRE changes tumor metabolism and the immune environment, including increases in suppressive myeloid cells and shifts toward glutamine use, to design drug combinations that overcome those resistance mechanisms. The team uses laboratory models, advanced single‑cell and protein profiling, and existing clinical IRE experience to identify promising combination approaches. The ultimate aim is to move the best combinations toward testing in patients with pancreatic cancer.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma, particularly those with locally advanced or metastatic disease who might be candidates for irreversible electroporation and immunotherapy, would be the most relevant group.
Not a fit: Patients with other types of cancer, or those who are not eligible for IRE or immune checkpoint therapy, are unlikely to benefit directly from this work.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could make immunotherapy work for more people with pancreatic cancer and potentially improve survival.
How similar studies have performed: Preclinical mouse studies reported that combining IRE with anti‑PD‑1 improved long‑term survival in about 40% of animals, but this combined approach remains experimental in humans.
Where this research is happening
HOUSTON, UNITED STATES
- UNIVERSITY OF TX MD ANDERSON CAN CTR — HOUSTON, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: LI, CHUN — UNIVERSITY OF TX MD ANDERSON CAN CTR
- Study coordinator: LI, CHUN
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.