How allergy-like immune signals help pancreatic cancer grow

Role of type 2 immune response in pancreatic cancer tumorigenesis

['FUNDING_R01'] · ROSWELL PARK CANCER INSTITUTE CORP · NIH-11210496

This project looks at how allergy-type immune signals (like IL4, IL13, and IL33) and certain immune cells help pancreatic cancer grow, with the goal of finding new ways to stop that growth for people with pancreatic cancer.

Quick facts

Phase['FUNDING_R01']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorROSWELL PARK CANCER INSTITUTE CORP (nih funded)
Locations1 site (BUFFALO, UNITED STATES)
Trial IDNIH-11210496 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this research studies

From a patient's perspective, researchers are studying signals made by immune cells that seem to feed pancreatic tumors and make them harder to treat. They will use tumor cells, laboratory models, and animal experiments to see how immune molecules such as IL4, IL13, and IL33, and immune cells like TH2 and ILC2, interact with cancer. The team will test genetic and drug-based ways to block those signals to see if tumors slow down. They are also exploring how fungi inside tumors (the mycobiome) trigger release of IL33 and attract supportive immune cells.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: People with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), especially those with tumors resistant to current treatments, would be the main patients this research aims to help.

Not a fit: People without pancreatic cancer or whose tumors are driven by unrelated mechanisms are unlikely to benefit directly from this specific line of research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point to new treatment targets that block immune signals to slow tumor growth and improve survival for people with pancreatic cancer.

How similar studies have performed: Previous laboratory and animal studies showed that blocking IL4/IL13 signaling can reduce pancreatic tumor growth, while targeting IL33 and the tumor mycobiome is a newer approach still being explored.

Where this research is happening

BUFFALO, UNITED STATES

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.

View on NIH RePORTER →

Conditions: Allergic Disease

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.