How collagen affects cancer growth and immune response in pancreatic cancer

Regulation of PDAC metabolism and immunity by collagen and its cleavage products

NIH-funded research University of California, San Diego · NIH-11229316

This study is looking at how collagen affects the way pancreatic cancer cells behave and how the body’s immune system responds, using a special model that simulates the tumor environment to find new ways to treat patients with pancreatic cancer.

Quick facts

Grant typeU01 cooperative agreement
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of California, San Diego NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (La Jolla, United States)
Project IDNIH-11229316 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates how collagen and its breakdown products influence the metabolism and immune response in pancreatic duct adenocarcinoma (PDAC). By developing a novel microphysiological model that mimics the tumor environment, researchers aim to understand the interactions between cancer cells, nerves, and surrounding tissues. This model will help identify new therapeutic targets and screen potential drug candidates that could improve treatment outcomes for patients with PDAC.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are patients diagnosed with pancreatic duct adenocarcinoma, particularly those experiencing perineural invasion.

Not a fit: Patients with non-cancerous conditions or those with other types of cancer may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapies that significantly improve survival rates and quality of life for patients with pancreatic cancer.

How similar studies have performed: Other research has shown promise in using microphysiological models to study cancer interactions, indicating that this approach could yield valuable insights.

Where this research is happening

La Jolla, 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.
Conditions cancer metastasiscancer microenvironment
Last reviewed 2026-06-10 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.