Finding new ways to treat pancreatic cancer
Official title: Overcoming mechanisms of therapeutic resistance in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma
Funded at Salk Institute for Biological Studies · NIH-11167603 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This research aims to understand why pancreatic cancer treatments often stop working, so we can develop more effective therapies for patients.
Quick facts
| Grant type | P01 program project |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Salk Institute for Biological Studies NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (La Jolla, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | July 6, 2023 |
| Project end | June 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $2,905,942 |
| NIH project number | 5P01CA265762-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11167603 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
This foundational research is for patients with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma who may benefit from future therapies developed from these discoveries.
✕Less likely to help
Patients seeking immediate new treatments will not directly benefit from this early-stage research, which focuses on understanding disease mechanisms.
What this research studies
Pancreatic cancer is a very challenging disease to treat, and current therapies often don't work well because the cancer becomes resistant. This happens partly because of the unique environment around the tumor, which makes it hard for drugs to reach the cancer cells and helps them survive. We are looking closely at how cancer cells adapt and communicate with their surroundings to resist treatment. By understanding these complex interactions, we hope to discover new strategies to make treatments more successful and lasting for patients.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to the development of new and more effective treatments for pancreatic cancer, improving patient outcomes and survival.
How similar studies have gone: While current therapies for pancreatic cancer are largely ineffective, this research builds on existing knowledge of tumor biology to explore novel approaches to overcome resistance.
Where this research is happening
-
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.
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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.