Exploring how pancreatic cancer interacts with the immune system and responds to treatments.
Official title: Understanding Pancreatic Cancer Immune Microenvironment and Treatment Response through Integrating in vivo Imaging with Immunophenotyping
Funded at University of Louisville · NIH-11052505 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how the immune system interacts with pancreatic cancer to find better ways to treat it, and if you're a patient, you might have the chance to help by joining trials testing new treatments.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Louisville NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Louisville, United States) |
| Project start | March 8, 2024 |
| Project end | February 28, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $649,473 |
| NIH project number | 5R01CA278941-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11052505 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma who are seeking new treatment options.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with other types of cancer or those who do not have pancreatic cancer may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the immune microenvironment of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) and how it affects treatment responses. By using advanced imaging techniques, the study aims to visualize and track immune cells within the tumor, particularly focusing on immunosuppressive myeloid cells. The researchers will also explore innovative methods to enhance the effectiveness of immunotherapy in treating PDAC, which is known to be resistant to current treatments. Patients may have the opportunity to contribute to this groundbreaking work by participating in trials that assess new therapeutic strategies.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatment options for patients with pancreatic cancer, potentially enhancing their survival rates.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in using immunotherapy for other cancers, but this approach in pancreatic cancer is still largely untested.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Louisville
Louisville, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Yan, Jun — University of Louisville
- Study coordinator: Yan, Jun
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Microbial Dysbiosis and Its Role in Pancreatic Cancer
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-
Targeting aberrant enhancer landscapes in pancreatic cancer
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Exosome-based microRNA biomarkers for early, non-invasive detection of pancreatic cancer
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-
Exosome-based microRNA biomarkers for early detection of pancreatic cancer
A patient-friendly look at a study using tiny blood-based RNA markers inside exosomes to catch pancreatic cancer early without invasive procedures.
-
Programmable implanted living materials to fight pancreatic cancer
A patient-facing program will explore a safe, implantable living material that delivers sequential immunotherapies directly to pancreatic tumors to help fight cancer.
-
Targeting how platelets and pancreatic cancer talk to each other
A study exploring whether blocking the interaction between platelets and pancreatic cancer cells could slow cancer growth and spread and help identify new biomarkers.
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.