Finding new ways to make pancreatic cancer treatments work better
Project 2: Targeting signaling networks to overcome therapeutic resistance in pancreatic cancer
['FUNDING_P01'] · SALK INSTITUTE FOR BIOLOGICAL STUDIES · NIH-11167609
This work explores new ways to make treatments more effective for people with advanced pancreatic cancer by understanding why current therapies often stop working.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_P01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | SALK INSTITUTE FOR BIOLOGICAL STUDIES (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (La Jolla, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11167609 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
Pancreatic cancer is often found at a late stage, and treatments can become less effective over time. We know that certain signals within the cancer, like STAT3, play a big role in this resistance. Our team has found that specific factors, such as LIF, IL6, and OSM, produced by cells around the tumor, can activate STAT3 and help the cancer resist chemotherapy. We are looking closely at how these signals work in both lab models and human tumor samples to find ways to block them. This could help us develop new strategies to keep treatments working longer and more effectively.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This foundational work is for future patients with advanced pancreatic cancer who experience treatment resistance.
Not a fit: Patients whose pancreatic cancer responds well to current treatments and does not develop resistance may not directly benefit from this specific approach.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new therapies that prevent pancreatic cancer from becoming resistant to treatment, offering more lasting control over the disease.
How similar studies have performed: The research builds upon prior findings from the Hunter lab, which identified key signaling pathways involved in pancreatic cancer resistance.
Where this research is happening
La Jolla, UNITED STATES
- SALK INSTITUTE FOR BIOLOGICAL STUDIES — La Jolla, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: HUNTER, TONY R. — SALK INSTITUTE FOR BIOLOGICAL STUDIES
- Study coordinator: HUNTER, TONY R.
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.