How the site of cancer spread affects immune response in pancreatic cancer

The Impact of Metastatic Site On Dendritic Cell-Driven Tumor Immunity

NIH-funded research Washington University · NIH-10931531

This study is looking at how the location of pancreatic cancer spreads affects the body's immune response, with the goal of finding better ways to use immune cells to fight the cancer and help patients with advanced disease.

Quick facts

Grant typeU01 cooperative agreement
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionWashington University NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Saint Louis, United States)
Project IDNIH-10931531 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates how the location of metastatic pancreatic cancer influences the immune response driven by dendritic cells. It aims to understand the differences in the tumor microenvironment between primary and metastatic sites, which may hinder effective immunotherapy. By studying both animal models and human samples, the research seeks to identify how these immune cells can be better utilized to enhance anti-tumor immunity. The findings could lead to improved strategies for treating patients with advanced pancreatic cancer.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are patients diagnosed with metastatic pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma.

Not a fit: Patients with early-stage pancreatic cancer or those without metastatic disease may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective immunotherapy treatments for patients with metastatic pancreatic cancer.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown that understanding the immune environment in cancer can lead to breakthroughs in treatment, suggesting this approach has potential for success.

Where this research is happening

Saint Louis, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Conditions Cancers
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.