How nerves affect the progression of pancreatic cancer
Official title: Peripheral Nerve Regulation of Pancreas Cancer Progression
Funded at University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh · NIH-10979425 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how the nerves in the pancreas might affect the growth of pancreatic cancer and whether blocking these nerves could help slow down the disease, with the goal of finding new ways to improve treatment for patients.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Pittsburgh, United States) |
| Project start | July 1, 2024 |
| Project end | June 30, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $622,548 |
| NIH project number | 1R01CA285585-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-10979425 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with pancreatic cancer or those at high risk for developing the disease.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with non-cancerous conditions or those not diagnosed with pancreatic cancer may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of sensory nerves in the progression of pancreatic cancer, particularly how their denervation may slow or stop the transition from precancerous stages to malignant disease. Using a transgenic mouse model, the study will explore the interactions between sensory nerves and immune cells within the tumor microenvironment, focusing on immune checkpoint proteins expressed by these nerves. Additionally, it will assess changes in the innervation of lymph nodes and their potential as therapeutic targets or prognostic biomarkers. The findings aim to uncover novel strategies for improving treatment efficacy in pancreatic cancer patients.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapeutic approaches that enhance treatment outcomes for pancreatic cancer patients.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the role of the nervous system in cancer, suggesting that this approach may yield significant insights.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Saloman, Jami Lynn — University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh
- Study coordinator: Saloman, Jami Lynn
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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SPORE in Pancreas Cancer at MSK: advancing personalized therapy for pancreatic cancer
A large, multi-year program at Memorial Sloan Kettering aims to tailor pancreatic cancer treatment to each patient’s biology to improve survival and outcomes.
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How nerves influence pancreatic cancer progression and immune response
This NIH grant tests whether nerves and nerve signals affect pancreatic cancer growth and the body’s immune response, with findings that could lead to new therapies for people with pancreatic cancer.
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Overcoming barriers in pancreatic cancer therapy
A cancer research project that explores how pancreatic tumors resist treatment and how to improve therapies by studying tumor cells and their surrounding environment in animal models.
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How low oxygen makes pancreatic cancer cells more aggressive
This project looks at whether low oxygen areas inside pancreatic tumors cause cancer cells to become more aggressive and resist chemotherapy, aiming to help people with pancreatic cancer.
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How different dietary fats affect pancreatic cancer start and growth
This project looks at whether specific kinds of high-fat diets speed up or slow the start and growth of pancreatic cancer to help people at risk understand dietary effects.
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Immune signals that make pancreatic cancer more stem‑like and aggressive
Looking at whether an immune signal called IL‑22, working through its receptor IL‑22RA1 and STAT3, makes pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma cells more stem‑like and aggressive to guide future treatments for people with PDAC.
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.