How aging affects pancreatic cancer development
Official title: The Aging Pancreas as a Pro-tumorigenic Niche
Funded at Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute · NIH-10995237 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how getting older affects the growth of pancreatic cancer, especially in older adults, by using special mouse models to see how age changes the tumors and their surroundings, with the goal of finding better ways to understand and treat this type of cancer in older patients.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (La Jolla, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2024 |
| Project end | August 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $243,750 |
| NIH project number | 1R21AG087544-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-10995237 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are older adults, particularly those over the age of 60, who may be at higher risk for pancreatic cancer.
✕Less likely to help
Younger individuals under the age of 40 are unlikely to benefit from this research as they are less likely to develop pancreatic cancer.
What this research studies
This research investigates the relationship between aging and the development of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), a type of pancreatic cancer that is more common in older adults. By using advanced mouse models, the study aims to understand how age influences tumor growth and the immune environment within tumors. The researchers have observed that older animals show accelerated tumor progression and distinct changes in the tumor's supportive tissue, which may contribute to cancer spread. This work seeks to uncover the biological mechanisms behind these observations to improve understanding and treatment of PDAC in older patients.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for preventing or treating pancreatic cancer in older adults.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that age significantly impacts cancer progression, suggesting that this study's approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute
La Jolla, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Commisso, Cosimo — Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute
- Study coordinator: Commisso, Cosimo
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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.