Creating a new imaging agent to better detect pancreatic cancer
Official title: Development of a PET CCR2 Imaging Agent to Profile PDAC Microenvironment
Funded at Emory University · NIH-10943827 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing a new imaging tool that helps doctors spot early signs of pancreatic cancer by looking at the tumor's surroundings, which could lead to quicker diagnoses and better treatment options for patients.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Emory University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Atlanta, United States) |
| Project start | July 4, 2024 |
| Project end | June 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $402,401 |
| NIH project number | 1R21CA286283-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-10943827 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals at high risk for pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma or those with early-stage pancreatic tumors.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with advanced pancreatic cancer or those who do not have pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing a new imaging agent that utilizes positron emission tomography (PET) to identify and profile the microenvironment of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), a highly aggressive form of cancer. The study aims to improve early detection of small tumors, which is crucial for effective treatment and better survival rates. By targeting specific immune cells within the tumor environment, the imaging agent could provide insights into tumor progression and treatment resistance. Patients may benefit from more accurate imaging techniques that could lead to earlier diagnosis and intervention.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved early detection of pancreatic cancer, significantly enhancing treatment outcomes for patients.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promise in using imaging agents for cancer detection, suggesting that this approach could be effective.
Where this research is happening
-
Emory University
Atlanta, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Goodman, Mark Myron — Emory University
- Study coordinator: Goodman, Mark Myron
Related research
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-
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-
Targeting autophagy to treat KRAS-mutant pancreatic cancer
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Reprogramming PDAC stroma by targeting blood clotting in the tumor environment
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-
Understanding paracrine signals in pancreatic cancer to improve drug delivery
A patient-focused look at how the tumor’s signaling networks affect treatment delivery in pancreatic cancer and how targeting these networks could help therapies reach tumors more effectively.
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.