NIH-funded research NIH-funded research

How inflammation in tumor surroundings affects pancreatic cancer growth

Official title: Impact of Inflammatory Pathway in Tumor Stroma on Pancreatic Cancer Growth

Funded at Birmingham VA Medical Center · NIH-11090388 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study is looking at how certain signals in the supportive tissue around pancreatic cancer cells might help the cancer grow and avoid being attacked by the immune system, with the hope of finding new ways to treat patients with pancreatic cancer.

More Pancreatic Cancer research and trials

Quick facts

Grant typeNIH-funded research
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionBirmingham VA Medical Center
NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Birmingham, United States)
Project startApril 1, 2020
Project endSeptember 30, 2026
Funding year2025
NIH project number5I01BX004944-07
Project IDNIH-11090388 on NIH RePORTER

Who could benefit from this research

Could help

Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with pancreatic cancer who may benefit from novel treatment approaches targeting the tumor microenvironment.

Less likely to help

Patients with non-cancerous conditions or those with pancreatic cancer that has already progressed to an advanced stage may not benefit from this research.

What this research studies

This research investigates the role of inflammatory pathways in the tumor stroma, which is the supportive tissue surrounding cancer cells, in the growth of pancreatic cancer. The study focuses on understanding how NFκB signaling in this stroma may protect cancer cells from being eliminated by the immune system, particularly T cells. By analyzing both laboratory models and human cancer data, the researchers aim to identify key cytokines, like CCL5, that contribute to tumor growth and resistance to treatment. The goal is to uncover new mechanisms that could lead to more effective therapies for pancreatic cancer patients.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapeutic strategies that improve outcomes for pancreatic cancer patients.

How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in targeting inflammatory pathways in cancer, suggesting that this approach may yield significant insights and advancements.

Where this research is happening

  • Birmingham VA Medical Center
    Birmingham, United States
    Active

Researchers

  • Principal investigator: Dudeja, Vikas — Birmingham VA Medical Center
  • Study coordinator: Dudeja, Vikas

Related research

Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.

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.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 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.