Fibrin-rich tumor stroma as a new driver of immune response in pancreatic cancer
Official title: Fibrin-laden tumor stroma as a novel immunomodulatory factor in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma
Funded at Utah State Higher Education System--University of Utah · NIH-11455114 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This grant explores how fibrin-involved tumor surroundings in pancreatic cancer might affect immune therapy, with the goal of making treatments work better for patients.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Utah State Higher Education System--University of Utah NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Salt Lake City, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2026 |
| Project end | July 31, 2031 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $639,573 |
| NIH project number | 1R01CA304572-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11455114 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Patients with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma or those with tumors rich in fibrous stroma may be candidates for related clinical advances in the future.
✕Less likely to help
Patients whose tumors do not rely on fibrin-rich stroma or who cannot participate in related future trials may not benefit.
What this research studies
Pancreatic cancer is hard to treat, partly because its surrounding tissue blocks immune and drug access. The researchers will study how cross-linked fibrin in the tumor environment modulates immunity and supports tumor growth. They will use biological models that resemble human tumors and may test strategies to overcome this barrier to immunotherapy. The aim is to identify new approaches that could make immune checkpoint medicines more effective for patients with pancreatic cancer.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the work could lead to new ways to sensitize tumors to immunotherapies, potentially improving responses for patients with pancreatic cancer.
How similar studies have gone: Prior research suggests tumor stroma and fibrin components influence immunity, but this specific fibrin-laden stroma focus is an emerging area with potential for new strategies.
Where this research is happening
-
Utah State Higher Education System--University of Utah
Salt Lake City, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Al-Hilal, Taslim a — Utah State Higher Education System--University of Utah
- Study coordinator: Al-Hilal, Taslim a
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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.