How nerves influence pancreatic cancer progression and immune response
Official title: Peripheral Nerve Regulation of Pancreas Cancer Progression
Funded at University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh · NIH-11381938 · Data updated 2026-11-12
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.
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 | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $622,548 |
| NIH project number | 5R01CA285585-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11381938 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates are individuals with or at risk for pancreatic cancer who could participate in future trials exploring nerve-related therapies or biomarker studies.
✕Less likely to help
Patients not directly affected by pancreatic cancer or not eligible for future nerve-targeted trials may not benefit.
What this research studies
Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh will study how sensory and sympathetic nerves interact with pancreatic cancer and the immune system in mouse models and related experiments. They will look at how nerve-related proteins may shape tumor growth, immune cell activity, and the structure of lymph nodes that drain the tumor area. The work aims to identify whether targeting nerves or nerve signals could become a new strategy to boost therapy effectiveness and improve outcomes for patients. The project combines 3-D models, neural biology, and immunology to explore potential biomarkers and future therapeutic targets.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to nerve-targeted therapies that slow pancreatic cancer and improve responses to existing treatments.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research in animals suggests nerves can influence tumor growth, but translating to humans is still evolving; this study builds on that foundation.
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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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.
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Memorial Sloan Kettering pancreas cancer program
This program uses advanced genetic testing and new treatment approaches to try to improve care for people with locally advanced or metastatic pancreas cancer.
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.