How a glutathione-linked pathway helps pancreatic cancer spread
A novel, glutathione-dependent metabolic pathway drives metastatic outgrowth in pancreatic cancer
['FUNDING_R01'] · MASSACHUSETTS GENERAL HOSPITAL · NIH-11123192
Finding out whether blocking a glutathione-related pathway can stop pancreatic cancer from spreading in people with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | MASSACHUSETTS GENERAL HOSPITAL (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (BOSTON, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11123192 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
Researchers compare primary pancreatic tumors and metastases using mouse models and human tumor samples, and run a lab screen to find genes that let metastatic cells grow. They turn off two key genes, Gstt1 and the amino acid transporter Slc38a4, in models and saw metastases stop growing while primary tumors were unchanged. The team also studies how glutathione-related chemistry changes matrix proteins like fibronectin to help cancer cells expand in surrounding tissue. Most work is in animals and tissue samples, but the project aims to point to targets that could be tested in patients later.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma, especially those with metastatic disease or willing to provide tumor or tissue samples, would be the most relevant candidates.
Not a fit: Patients with other types of cancer or people not willing to provide samples are unlikely to get direct benefit, and this preclinical work may not lead to immediate treatments.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to treatments that specifically block pancreatic cancer metastasis and potentially improve survival.
How similar studies have performed: Prior studies link glutathione metabolism to cancer cell survival, but targeting this specific glutathione-dependent pathway and the Gstt1/Slc38a4 axis to block pancreatic metastasis is largely novel and untested in patients.
Where this research is happening
BOSTON, UNITED STATES
- MASSACHUSETTS GENERAL HOSPITAL — BOSTON, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: MOSTOSLAVSKY, RAUL — MASSACHUSETTS GENERAL HOSPITAL
- Study coordinator: MOSTOSLAVSKY, RAUL
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.