Exploring new treatments for pancreatic cancer using advanced models
Official title: Investigation of novel signaling protein in 3D and in vivo PDAC models using second generation Ref-1 inhibitors
Funded at Indiana University Indianapolis · NIH-11091485 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at a new protein that could help create better treatments for pancreatic cancer by figuring out how it affects cancer cells and their ability to resist drugs, so we can target the cancer more effectively while leaving healthy cells alone.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Indiana University Indianapolis NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Indianapolis, United States) |
| Project start | June 1, 2021 |
| Project end | May 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $433,463 |
| NIH project number | 5R01CA254110-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-11091485 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are patients diagnosed with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma who are seeking new treatment options.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with other types of cancer or those who are not diagnosed with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates a novel signaling protein involved in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) and aims to develop more effective treatments. The study utilizes advanced 3D models and in vivo systems to understand how certain proteins affect cancer cell growth and drug resistance. By focusing on selectively targeting cancer cells while sparing surrounding supportive cells, the research seeks to improve treatment outcomes for patients with PDAC. The approach involves testing new compounds that inhibit specific pathways critical for tumor survival.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective therapies for pancreatic cancer, potentially improving survival rates.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in targeting similar pathways in cancer treatment, suggesting potential for success with this novel approach.
Where this research is happening
-
Indiana University Indianapolis
Indianapolis, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Fishel, Melissa L. — Indiana University Indianapolis
- Study coordinator: Fishel, Melissa L.
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Targeting epigenomic regulators to assault pancreatic cancer replication stress
This research tests a new way to treat pancreatic cancer by blocking key epigenetic regulators during DNA replication to make cancer cells less able to cope with replication stress.
-
Neoantigen vaccines in pancreatic cancer: overcoming resistance to improve immune responses
This grant supports testing advanced neoantigen vaccines in pancreatic cancer to boost patients' immune responses and potentially improve outcomes.
-
CD11b-activating drug to make pancreatic cancer respond to immunotherapy
A study to see if a CD11b-activating drug (GB1275) can help pancreatic cancer patients respond better to immunotherapy when combined with standard chemotherapy and PD-1 blockers.
-
Targeting autophagy to treat KRAS-mutant pancreatic cancer
This grant explores using approved drugs to block autophagy in KRAS-mutant pancreatic cancer to improve treatment outcomes.
-
Reprogramming PDAC stroma by targeting blood clotting in the tumor environment
A cancer research grant aimed at turning the tough, fibrous pancreatic cancer environment into one that helps treatments work better and supports the body’s immune response.
-
Understanding paracrine signals in pancreatic cancer to improve drug delivery
A patient-focused look at how the tumor’s signaling networks affect treatment delivery in pancreatic cancer and how targeting these networks could help therapies reach tumors more effectively.
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.