How pancreatic tumor genes shape immune cells and response to macrophage therapies
Project 3: Impact of tumor genetics on PDAC immunobiology and responses to macrophage-targeted immunotherapy
This project looks at whether differences in tumor genes change the immune environment in pancreatic cancer and whether treatments that target macrophages might help certain patients.
Quick facts
| Grant type | P01 program project |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Stanford University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Stanford, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11171450 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
From a patient's perspective, the team is studying pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) to see how specific genetic changes and the tumor's cell of origin affect immune cells inside and around the tumor. They will use genetically engineered mouse models that mimic different tumor gene changes and tumor types created by their program. High-resolution immune-mapping tools (CODEX and CyTOF) will be used to count and locate immune cells, and molecular tests will search for signals that attract or reshape macrophages. The goal is to link tumor genetics to immune patterns that could point to who might benefit from macrophage-targeted treatments.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Patients with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma, particularly those whose tumors have been genetically profiled or who are being considered for immunotherapy, would be most relevant.
Not a fit: People without pancreatic cancer or those whose care does not include tumor genetic testing are unlikely to see direct benefit from this project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could help match pancreatic cancer patients to macrophage-targeting therapies that are more likely to work based on their tumor's genetics.
How similar studies have performed: Preclinical research has shown macrophage-targeting can affect tumor growth in some models, but translating these approaches to PDAC remains challenging and not yet proven in patients.
Where this research is happening
Stanford, United States
- Stanford University — Stanford, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Engleman, Edgar G. — Stanford University
- Study coordinator: Engleman, Edgar G.
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.