How low oxygen levels affect the tumor environment in pancreatic cancer
Official title: Role of Hypoxia in Shaping the Tumor Stroma in Pancreatic Cancer
Funded at University of Michigan at Ann Arbor · NIH-11089567 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study looks at how low oxygen levels in pancreatic cancer affect the behavior of cancer cells and nearby healthy cells, with the hope of finding new ways to improve treatment for patients.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Michigan at Ann Arbor NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Ann Arbor, United States) |
| Project start | May 1, 2023 |
| Project end | April 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $428,842 |
| NIH project number | 5R01CA269025-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11089567 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma, particularly those experiencing advanced disease.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with early-stage pancreatic cancer or those with other types of cancer may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of low oxygen levels, or hypoxia, in shaping the tumor environment of pancreatic cancer. It focuses on how hypoxia influences the behavior of both cancer cells and surrounding non-cancerous cells, such as fibroblasts and immune cells. By examining the interactions between these cells in a low-oxygen setting, the study aims to uncover mechanisms that contribute to tumor growth and resistance to treatment. Patients may benefit from insights gained that could lead to new therapeutic strategies targeting these interactions.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to innovative treatments that improve outcomes for patients with pancreatic cancer.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that targeting tumor-stroma interactions in other cancers can lead to significant treatment advancements, suggesting potential for success in this area as well.
Where this research is happening
-
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
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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How low oxygen changes the tissue around pancreatic tumors
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.
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How low oxygen changes KDM8 to make pancreatic cancer more aggressive
Researchers study whether low oxygen in pancreatic tumors keeps a protein called KDM8 from stopping cancer cells from becoming a more aggressive, treatment-resistant form for people with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma.
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Understanding how low oxygen levels affect pancreatic cancer spread
This study is looking at how low oxygen levels in pancreatic tumors affect cancer cells, especially a gene called KDM8, to find new ways to treat pancreatic cancer and help patients feel better.
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Targeting cancer growth in pancreatic cancer using a new drug delivery system
This study is testing a new way to deliver a cancer-fighting drug specifically for people with pancreatic cancer, aiming to make the treatment more effective and less harmful by using a special carrier that releases the medicine right where it's needed in the tumor.
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How low oxygen levels affect fibroblast behavior in pancreatic cancer
This study is looking at how low oxygen levels in pancreatic cancer might change the behavior of certain cells that help tumors grow, which could help us find new ways to treat the disease.
-
How low oxygen levels affect immune cells in pancreatic cancer
This study is looking at how low oxygen levels in pancreatic cancer affect immune cells that help fight tumors, with the goal of finding better ways to boost immunotherapy treatments for patients.
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.