How pancreatic cancer begins: genes and immune system interactions
Pancreatic Cancer Development: Genetic and Immune Regulation
['FUNDING_P01'] · STANFORD UNIVERSITY · NIH-11171443
Researchers are looking at how gene changes and immune and support cells work together to start pancreatic cancer, to help people with pancreatic cancer or those at high risk.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_P01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | STANFORD UNIVERSITY (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (STANFORD, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11171443 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
This project uses advanced mouse models alongside analyses of human pancreatic tissue to find which cell types and combinations of mutations kick off pancreatic cancer. The team will map how immune cells and cancer-associated fibroblasts communicate with epithelial cells and influence a cancer 'stemness' state. They will trace early lesions like acinar-to-ductal metaplasia (ADM) and PanINs and combine genetics, imaging, and cell biology to follow how tumors form. Results aim to reveal signals and pathways that could become early markers or points to block cancer development.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with pancreatic cancer, patients undergoing pancreatic surgery, or those at high genetic or clinical risk may be eligible to provide tissue or samples for the project.
Not a fit: People without pancreatic disease or whose care is unrelated to pancreatic conditions are unlikely to directly benefit from participation.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point to new markers for earlier detection and targets to prevent or slow pancreatic cancer development.
How similar studies have performed: Prior mouse and human-tissue studies have identified KRAS-driven pathways and inflammatory roles in PDAC, but translating those findings into effective patient therapies has been limited, so this approach is partially proven but still urgently needed.
Where this research is happening
STANFORD, UNITED STATES
- STANFORD UNIVERSITY — STANFORD, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: KIM, SEUNG K — STANFORD UNIVERSITY
- Study coordinator: KIM, SEUNG K
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: Cancer Biology, Cancers