Enhancing immune response against metastatic pancreatic tumors using localized therapy
Official title: Potentiating a systemic antitumor response by interstitial localized ablative immunotherapy to synergize with immune checkpoint therapy for metastatic pancreatic tumors
Funded at University of Oklahoma · NIH-11052594 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is exploring a new way to treat advanced pancreatic cancer by using a special heat treatment to target tumors and boost the immune system, helping your body fight the cancer more effectively.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Oklahoma NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Norman, United States) |
| Project start | April 1, 2022 |
| Project end | March 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $489,114 |
| NIH project number | 5R01CA269897-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-11052594 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are patients diagnosed with advanced-stage metastatic pancreatic cancer who have not responded well to conventional therapies.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with early-stage pancreatic cancer or those whose tumors are resectable may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates a novel approach to treat metastatic pancreatic cancer by combining localized ablative immunotherapy with immune checkpoint therapy. The therapy utilizes localized photothermal treatment to destroy tumor cells, which releases tumor antigens and stimulates the immune system. By administering immunostimulants directly to the tumor site, the goal is to enhance the body's immune response, particularly the activation of T cells, to fight both the primary tumor and any distant metastases. This approach aims to overcome the limitations of conventional therapies that are often ineffective for advanced pancreatic cancer.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly improve survival rates and treatment outcomes for patients with metastatic pancreatic cancer.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have shown promising results with localized immunotherapy approaches, suggesting potential for success in this novel application.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Oklahoma
Norman, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Chen, Wei R. — University of Oklahoma
- Study coordinator: Chen, Wei R.
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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.