Improving Immunotherapy for Pancreatic Cancer
Targeting the Immunosuppressive Tumor Microenvironment of Pancreatic Cancer with a Neoadjuvant Platform Clinical Trial
['FUNDING_R01'] · JOHNS HOPKINS UNIVERSITY · NIH-11088780
This project explores new ways to make pancreatic cancer respond better to immunotherapy by strengthening the body's own defenses.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | JOHNS HOPKINS UNIVERSITY (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (BALTIMORE, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11088780 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
Pancreatic cancer often resists standard immune treatments because the tumor environment suppresses the immune system. This project aims to make these tumors more visible to the immune system and enhance the activity of immune cells. Researchers are building on previous work with a vaccine (GVAX) and an immune checkpoint blocker (anti-PD-1 antibody). They are now looking at adding new antibodies, anti-CD137 and anti-IL8, to further boost the immune response and overcome resistance. The goal is to turn "cold" tumors into "hot" ones that respond well to immunotherapy.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Patients with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), particularly those undergoing or considering neoadjuvant therapy, might be ideal candidates.
Not a fit: Patients whose tumors do not respond to immune-boosting strategies or who have advanced disease beyond the scope of neoadjuvant therapy may not directly benefit from this specific approach.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could lead to more effective immunotherapy options for patients with pancreatic cancer, potentially improving treatment outcomes.
How similar studies have performed: Previous clinical trials have shown that a vaccine combined with an immune checkpoint inhibitor can activate the immune system in pancreatic cancer, providing a foundation for this new approach.
Where this research is happening
BALTIMORE, UNITED STATES
- JOHNS HOPKINS UNIVERSITY — BALTIMORE, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: JAFFEE, ELIZABETH M. — JOHNS HOPKINS UNIVERSITY
- Study coordinator: JAFFEE, ELIZABETH M.
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.