How low oxygen changes the tissue around pancreatic tumors
Role of Hypoxia in Shaping the Tumor Stroma in Pancreatic Cancer
['FUNDING_R01'] · UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN AT ANN ARBOR · NIH-11308674
This work looks at whether low oxygen inside pancreatic tumors causes nearby support cells to become inflammatory and push away cancer-killing T cells, with the goal of helping people with pancreatic cancer.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN AT ANN ARBOR (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (ANN ARBOR, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11308674 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
Researchers will study human pancreatic tumor samples and laboratory 3-D models to map where oxygen is low and which support cells (like fibroblasts and macrophages) are active. They will focus on low-oxygen sensors called HIF1α and HIF2α and on signaling molecules such as CCL2 that may recruit suppressive immune cells. The team will use tissue models and animal experiments to change these pathways and watch how CD8 T cells behave near tumors. The goal is to find ways to alter the tumor surroundings so immune cells can enter and fight the cancer more effectively.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma who can provide tumor tissue samples or enroll at the study site(s) would be the most relevant participants.
Not a fit: People without pancreatic cancer or those unable to give tissue samples or travel to the research center are unlikely to benefit directly.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Could reveal targets to make pancreatic tumors less immune-suppressive and improve the effectiveness of future treatments.
How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have linked hypoxia and HIF signaling to immune suppression, but translating those findings into effective therapies for pancreatic cancer has so far been limited.
Where this research is happening
ANN ARBOR, UNITED STATES
- UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN AT ANN ARBOR — ANN ARBOR, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: LEE, KYOUNG EUN — UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN AT ANN ARBOR
- Study coordinator: LEE, KYOUNG EUN
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.
Conditions: Cancers