Helping immune cells reach pancreatic cancer tumors
Research Testbed 1
['FUNDING_OTHER'] · UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA · NIH-11238530
Researchers are working to help immune cells, including engineered T cells, get into and fight pancreatic cancer tumors.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_OTHER'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (MINNEAPOLIS, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11238530 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
I have pancreatic cancer and this project works to understand why immune cells can't get into the thick, scar-like tissue around my tumor. The team uses advanced live imaging, engineered lab environments, genome editing, animal models, and mathematical models to track how T cells move and function in tumors. They will test ways to alter the tumor stroma or change T cells so they can better infiltrate, migrate through, and kill cancer cells. Results are meant to guide improved cell therapies or combination treatments for pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Patients with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma, especially those being considered for immunotherapy or engineered T cell trials, would be the most relevant candidates.
Not a fit: People with other cancer types or those who are not eligible for immunotherapy or clinical trials would be unlikely to benefit directly from this project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to immune or cell therapies that better penetrate pancreatic tumors and improve outcomes for patients.
How similar studies have performed: Lab and animal studies targeting the tumor stroma or using engineered T cells have shown promising results, but clinical success in pancreatic cancer has been limited so far.
Where this research is happening
MINNEAPOLIS, UNITED STATES
- UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA — MINNEAPOLIS, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: PROVENZANO, PAOLO — UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA
- Study coordinator: PROVENZANO, PAOLO
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.
Conditions: Cancer Prognosis, Cancers