Early pancreatic cysts and precancerous changes
TBEL Project 1
Researchers are comparing two common types of early pancreatic lesions and the nearby support cells to find signs that predict who might develop pancreatic cancer.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | New York University School of Medicine NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New York, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11173896 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers will study two common types of pancreatic precursors — non‑cystic lesions (PanIN) and cystic lesions (IPMN) — by examining tissue and cell samples from patients. They will focus on how the surrounding support cells (fibroblasts) and immune signals like IL6 and IL33 change as lesions form and evolve. The team will look at genetic changes in the lesions, including KRAS and GNAS mutations, and how those changes interact with the local tumor microenvironment. Lab analyses of patient tissues aim to identify markers that indicate which precursors are more likely to progress to pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates are people with diagnosed pancreatic cysts (IPMN) or other pancreatic precursor lesions (PanIN) who are having clinical follow‑up, imaging, biopsy, or surgery at participating centers.
Not a fit: People with advanced pancreatic cancer beyond the precursor stage or individuals without pancreatic lesions are unlikely to get direct benefit from this project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could enable tests that tell which pancreatic precursor lesions are likely to become cancer so doctors can tailor monitoring or early treatment.
How similar studies have performed: Prior studies have linked KRAS/GNAS mutations and inflammatory signals like IL6 to pancreatic disease, but focusing on precursor‑associated fibroblasts and nuclear IL33 as progression markers is relatively new.
Where this research is happening
New York, United States
- New York University School of Medicine — New York, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Pasca Di Magliano, Marina — New York University School of Medicine
- Study coordinator: Pasca Di Magliano, Marina
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.