Improving lab models to find better pancreatic cancer treatments
Preclinical Models for Cancer Therapeutic Development
Using lab-grown tumors and mouse models to look for drug combinations that might help people with pancreatic cancer.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Cold Spring Harbor, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11179227 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
The team uses advanced lab models — mini-tumors grown in the lab (organoids), organoid transplants, and genetically engineered mice — to mimic human pancreatic cancer. They will test drugs that change tumor cell redox balance and mitochondrial function, both alone and combined with drugs that block KRAS pathway signaling (MEK inhibitors). Researchers also study different supportive cells in the tumor environment (cancer-associated fibroblasts) to see how they affect drug delivery and resistance. Findings will guide which combinations are most promising to move into human clinical trials.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma, particularly tumors with KRAS mutations, would be the most relevant candidates for future trials informed by this work.
Not a fit: People without pancreatic cancer or those needing immediate clinical treatment are unlikely to see direct benefit from this lab-focused work in the near term.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Could identify drug combinations that overcome resistance and lead to new clinical trials for pancreatic cancer patients.
How similar studies have performed: Related preclinical studies and early-stage trials targeting KRAS signaling and tumor metabolism have shown some promise, but effective therapies for pancreatic cancer remain limited.
Where this research is happening
Cold Spring Harbor, United States
- Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory — Cold Spring Harbor, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Park, Youngkyu — Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory
- Study coordinator: Park, Youngkyu
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.