How tumor genetics affect immune responses in pancreatic cancer treatment
Official title: Project 3: Impact of tumor genetics on PDAC immunobiology and responses to macrophage-targeted immunotherapy
Funded at Stanford University · NIH-10927305 · Data updated 2026-11-12
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.
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, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $408,703 |
| NIH project number | 5P01CA244114-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-10927305 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are patients diagnosed with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma, particularly those with specific genetic mutations.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with other types of cancer or those without pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of tumor genetics in shaping the immune environment of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), a challenging cancer to treat. By examining how different genetic mutations and the origin of tumor cells influence the presence and behavior of immune cells, particularly macrophages, the study aims to uncover new insights into treatment resistance. The researchers will utilize advanced techniques to analyze immune cell distribution and function in specially designed mouse models that mimic human PDAC. This approach could lead to better-targeted immunotherapies for patients with this aggressive cancer.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective immunotherapy strategies for patients with pancreatic cancer.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding immune responses in cancer, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
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.
-
CD11b-activating drug to make pancreatic cancer respond to immunotherapy
A study to see if a CD11b-activating drug (GB1275) can help pancreatic cancer patients respond better to immunotherapy when combined with standard chemotherapy and PD-1 blockers.
-
Nanoparticles that soften pancreatic cancer scar tissue to boost chemo and immune therapy
This project uses tiny nanoparticles carrying RNA to change the scar-like tissue around pancreatic tumors so chemotherapy and immune treatments can reach and kill cancer cells more effectively for people with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma.
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Using a new drug to help pancreatic cancer respond to immunotherapy
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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How pancreatic tumor genes shape immune cells and response to macrophage therapies
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.
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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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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.