EGFR-targeted treatment for basal-type pancreatic cancer
Targeted EGFR for basal subtype pancreatic cancer
This work looks at whether drugs that block EGFR can help people whose pancreatic cancer is the basal subtype live longer or respond better to therapy.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Chapel Hill, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11260150 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This project focuses on the basal subtype of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma, a more aggressive form seen in under 20% of patients. Researchers will use molecular testing to identify basal tumors, re-analyze results from prior clinical trials, and pursue translational and clinical approaches that give EGFR-blocking drugs to those subtype-identified patients alongside chemotherapy when appropriate. The team combines translational scientists, kinome experts, and medical oncologists to match targeted kinase therapy to the basal subtype. The work aims to move EGFR inhibitors from broadly ineffective in pancreatic cancer to potentially helpful when given to the right molecular subgroup.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Adults with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma whose tumors are molecularly classified as the basal subtype would be the ideal candidates.
Not a fit: People whose tumors are the classical (non-basal) subtype of pancreatic cancer are unlikely to benefit from EGFR-targeted therapy under this approach.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, basal-type pancreatic cancer patients could gain a targeted treatment that improves response and survival compared with current approaches.
How similar studies have performed: Broad trials of EGFR drugs in pancreatic cancer were disappointing overall, but re-analysis shows that basal-subtype patients did benefit, so this project builds on that subgroup finding.
Where this research is happening
Chapel Hill, United States
- Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill — Chapel Hill, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Yeh, Jen Jen — Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill
- Study coordinator: Yeh, Jen Jen
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.