How IL-17 and gut bacteria interact with pancreatic cancer
Dissecting the Source and Mechanisms of IL-17-Mediated Modulation of Pancreatic Tumorigenesis
['FUNDING_R37'] · UNIVERSITY OF TX MD ANDERSON CAN CTR · NIH-11044908
Testing whether blocking the immune signal IL-17 or changing gut bacteria could slow pancreatic cancer growth for patients with or at high risk of pancreatic cancer.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R37'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | UNIVERSITY OF TX MD ANDERSON CAN CTR (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (HOUSTON, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11044908 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
This project looks at how an immune signal called IL-17 in the intestine influences pancreatic tumor growth and the composition of gut bacteria. The team uses genetically engineered mouse models, gut epithelial studies, and 16S rRNA sequencing to map microbial changes linked to IL-17 signaling. They will test whether immune checkpoint drugs plus microbial interventions can reverse tumor-promoting effects. Results aim to point toward therapies that could be tried in people with pancreatic cancer in future trials.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma or those at high genetic or familial risk for pancreatic cancer would be the most relevant candidates for future clinical follow-up.
Not a fit: Patients without pancreatic disease or whose cancers are driven by non-immune mechanisms are unlikely to receive direct benefit from this basic-science work.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the work could identify new ways to combine immunotherapy and microbiome treatments to make pancreatic tumors more responsive to treatment.
How similar studies have performed: Related preclinical studies have linked IL-17 and the microbiome to cancer progression and therapy response, but targeting IL-17 or the microbiome in pancreatic cancer has not yet shown clear clinical success.
Where this research is happening
HOUSTON, UNITED STATES
- UNIVERSITY OF TX MD ANDERSON CAN CTR — HOUSTON, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: MCALLISTER, FLORENCIA — UNIVERSITY OF TX MD ANDERSON CAN CTR
- Study coordinator: MCALLISTER, FLORENCIA
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.