Creating a new treatment for pancreatic cancer using targeted radiopharmaceuticals
Official title: Development of a theragnostic radiopharmaceutical for pancreatic cancer
Funded at Stanford University · NIH-11098772 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing a new treatment for pancreatic cancer that uses special molecules to deliver targeted radiation right to the cancer cells, helping to improve the effectiveness of the therapy while protecting healthy tissues, and it’s designed for patients who are looking for better options in their care.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Stanford University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Stanford, United States) |
| Project start | June 1, 2024 |
| Project end | May 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $638,027 |
| NIH project number | 5R01CA289924-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11098772 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are patients diagnosed with pancreatic adenocarcinoma who have unresectable tumors and are seeking innovative treatment options.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with localized pancreatic tumors that are resectable may not benefit from this research as they may be eligible for surgical intervention.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing a theragnostic radiopharmaceutical specifically for pancreatic adenocarcinoma, a type of cancer that is often diagnosed at an advanced stage. The approach involves identifying new molecular targets through advanced techniques like spatial transcriptomics and creating peptide-based therapies that can deliver targeted radiation directly to cancer cells. By using radiolabeled peptides, the treatment aims to improve the precision of radiation delivery while minimizing damage to healthy tissues. Patients will be monitored using PET imaging to assess treatment effectiveness and make informed decisions about their care.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective and targeted treatments for pancreatic cancer, potentially improving survival rates and quality of life for patients.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in using targeted radiopharmaceuticals for other cancers, indicating potential success for this novel approach in pancreatic cancer.
Where this research is happening
-
Stanford University
Stanford, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Ferrara, Katherine W — Stanford University
- Study coordinator: Ferrara, Katherine W
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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.