Finding ways to improve treatment for pancreatic cancer
Official title: OVERCOMING STROMAL BARRIERS TO THERAPEUTICS IN PANCREAS CANCER
Funded at University of Nebraska Medical Center · NIH-11094151 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how the environment around pancreatic cancer cells affects their growth and spread, with the goal of finding better treatments that could help patients like you.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Nebraska Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Omaha, United States) |
| Project start | August 11, 2022 |
| Project end | May 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $463,532 |
| NIH project number | 5R01CA161112-16 |
| Project ID | NIH-11094151 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma or those at high risk for developing this type of cancer.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with other types of cancer or those without pancreatic cancer may not receive any benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the complex biology of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinomas (PDAs), which are highly lethal cancers. It focuses on understanding how the tumor environment, including various non-cancerous cells and proteins, contributes to the growth and spread of the cancer. By using genetically engineered animal models that mimic human disease, the research aims to identify new strategies to overcome barriers that prevent effective treatment. Patients may benefit from insights that could lead to improved therapies targeting these tumors.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective treatments for pancreatic cancer, potentially improving survival rates.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in understanding tumor biology and developing targeted therapies, suggesting that this approach could yield significant advancements.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Nebraska Medical Center
Omaha, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Hingorani, Sunil R — University of Nebraska Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Hingorani, Sunil R
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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SPORE in Pancreas Cancer at MSK: advancing personalized therapy for pancreatic cancer
A large, multi-year program at Memorial Sloan Kettering aims to tailor pancreatic cancer treatment to each patient’s biology to improve survival and outcomes.
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How nerves influence pancreatic cancer progression and immune response
This NIH grant tests whether nerves and nerve signals affect pancreatic cancer growth and the body’s immune response, with findings that could lead to new therapies for people with pancreatic cancer.
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Overcoming barriers in pancreatic cancer therapy
A cancer research project that explores how pancreatic tumors resist treatment and how to improve therapies by studying tumor cells and their surrounding environment in animal models.
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How low oxygen makes pancreatic cancer cells more aggressive
This project looks at whether low oxygen areas inside pancreatic tumors cause cancer cells to become more aggressive and resist chemotherapy, aiming to help people with pancreatic cancer.
-
How different dietary fats affect pancreatic cancer start and growth
This project looks at whether specific kinds of high-fat diets speed up or slow the start and growth of pancreatic cancer to help people at risk understand dietary effects.
-
Immune signals that make pancreatic cancer more stem‑like and aggressive
Looking at whether an immune signal called IL‑22, working through its receptor IL‑22RA1 and STAT3, makes pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma cells more stem‑like and aggressive to guide future treatments for people with PDAC.
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.