How pancreatic tumor genes shape immune cells and response to macrophage therapies
Official title: Project 3: Impact of tumor genetics on PDAC immunobiology and responses to macrophage-targeted immunotherapy
Funded at Stanford University · NIH-11171450 · Data updated 2026-11-12
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 start | August 1, 2021 |
| Project end | July 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $430,212 |
| NIH project number | 5P01CA244114-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-11171450 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Patients with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma, particularly those whose tumors have been genetically profiled or who are being considered for immunotherapy, would be most relevant.
✕Less likely to help
People without pancreatic cancer or those whose care does not include tumor genetic testing are unlikely to see direct benefit from this project.
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.
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 gone: 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
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Stanford University
Stanford, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Engleman, Edgar G. — Stanford University
- Study coordinator: Engleman, Edgar G.
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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CD11b-activating drug to make pancreatic cancer respond to immunotherapy
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This project gives a drug called GB1275 together with chemotherapy and a PD-1 immunotherapy to people with metastatic pancreatic cancer to boost the immune attack on tumors.
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Improving pancreatic cancer treatment by normalizing tumor environment with nanoparticles
This study is looking at a new way to help people with pancreatic cancer by using tiny particles to deliver special treatments that can make the tumor environment easier for other therapies to work, with the hope of improving how well chemotherapy and immunotherapy can fight the cancer.
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How tumor genetics affect immune responses in pancreatic cancer treatment
This study is looking at how the genes of pancreatic cancer tumors affect the immune system around them, which could help us understand why some treatments don’t work and lead to better therapies for patients battling this tough cancer.
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Using CD11b-Agonists to Make Pancreatic Cancer Treatable with Immunotherapy
This study is exploring a new way to boost the effectiveness of immunotherapy for pancreatic cancer by using a special drug called GB1275 to help your immune cells work better, and it’s for patients who are looking for improved treatment options.
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.