How pancreatic cancer feeds on nutrients
Role of Altered Nutrient Metabolism in Pancreatic Cancer
['FUNDING_R01'] · BOSTON CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL · NIH-11294291
This project will see if blocking cancer cells' use of certain nutrient pathways (like polyamines and arginine) can slow pancreatic tumors in adults.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | BOSTON CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (BOSTON, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11294291 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is an aggressive cancer with very low survival, and this work focuses on how tumor cells rewire nutrient use to grow. Researchers will study polyamine and arginine metabolism using tumor tissue and laboratory models and will profile chromatin and gene regulation with techniques like ATAC-seq and acetylation analysis. The goal is to find metabolic vulnerabilities that can be targeted without harming normal tissues, using preclinical experiments and analysis of human tumor samples. This is laboratory- and tissue-focused research that could point to safer treatment strategies to be tested in future clinical trials.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Adults with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma, especially those willing to provide tumor tissue or biospecimens, would be the most relevant patients for this work.
Not a fit: People without PDAC or those with unrelated health conditions are unlikely to receive direct benefit from this project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the work could point to new therapies that slow pancreatic tumor growth with fewer side effects than prior metabolic drugs.
How similar studies have performed: Prior attempts to block polyamine synthesis showed preclinical promise but caused toxicity in patients, so this approach builds on past work while aiming to reduce harm.
Where this research is happening
BOSTON, UNITED STATES
- BOSTON CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL — BOSTON, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: KALAANY, NADA Y. — BOSTON CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL
- Study coordinator: KALAANY, NADA Y.
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.