How stromal IL-6/STAT3 signaling affects pancreatic cancer and cancer-related weight loss
Project 3 – Stromal derived IL-6/STAT3 signaling in the development and progression of PDAC
Looking at whether a cell-signaling pathway called IL-6/STAT3 in the tumor's supportive stromal cells drives pancreatic cancer growth and the severe muscle and fat wasting many patients experience.
Quick facts
| Grant type | P01 program project |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Medical University of South Carolina NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Charleston, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11144581 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
From my perspective as a patient, this project focuses on pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma and the heavy stromal tissue that surrounds these tumors. Researchers will examine how IL-6/STAT3 signaling in stromal (support) cells communicates with the tumor and with peripheral tissues like muscle and fat. The team will use laboratory models, tissue samples, and likely patient-derived material to trace those signals and their effects on tumor progression and cachexia. The goal is to identify whether blocking or modifying that signaling could reduce tumor aggressiveness or prevent the severe weight loss and weakness some patients suffer.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People diagnosed with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma, particularly those experiencing unintentional weight loss or cachexia, would be the most relevant candidates for related clinical follow-up or trials.
Not a fit: People without pancreatic cancer or those with other unrelated conditions would not directly benefit from this project, and patients needing immediate standard-of-care treatment may not gain immediate benefit from the experimental findings.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the work could point to new treatments that slow pancreatic tumor progression and reduce cancer-related muscle and fat loss, improving strength and tolerance for therapy.
How similar studies have performed: Preclinical studies targeting IL-6/STAT3 and tumor stroma have shown promise in models, while clinical results so far have been limited or mixed and remain exploratory.
Where this research is happening
Charleston, United States
- Medical University of South Carolina — Charleston, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Ostrowski, Michael C. — Medical University of South Carolina
- Study coordinator: Ostrowski, Michael C.
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.