How surrounding cells affect pancreatic cancer behavior and treatment response
Stromal modulation of pancreatic cancer malignant cell state and therapeutic sensitivity
This project looks at how non-cancer cells around pancreatic tumors change cancer cell traits and how those tumors respond to therapies for people with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma.
Quick facts
| Grant type | U01 cooperative agreement |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Dana-Farber Cancer Inst NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11167803 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
From a patient perspective, researchers will study how cancer cells and nearby support cells called fibroblasts talk to each other and change over time. They will use patient-derived tumor samples grown in the lab, matched fibroblast cells, and genetically engineered mouse models to recreate tumor environments. The team will analyze single-cell data and prior treatment effects to see how these interactions drive therapy resistance. Findings will guide ideas for targeting the tumor environment to make treatments work better.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates are people with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma who can provide tumor tissue or participate at centers collaborating with the investigators.
Not a fit: People without pancreatic cancer or those unable to provide tissue samples are unlikely to directly benefit from this project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point to new ways to make existing treatments more effective by targeting the tumor microenvironment.
How similar studies have performed: Previous single-cell and organoid studies have shown stromal cells can influence pancreatic tumor behavior, but turning those findings into improved therapies is still early-stage.
Where this research is happening
Boston, United States
- Dana-Farber Cancer Inst — Boston, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Hahn, William C. — Dana-Farber Cancer Inst
- Study coordinator: Hahn, William 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.