NIH-funded research R15 grant

Improving oncolytic viruses for treating pancreatic cancer

Official title: Understanding and improving novel oncolytic viruses for pancreatic cancer

Funded at University of North Carolina Charlotte · NIH-10796294 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study is looking at a special virus that can help fight pancreatic cancer by targeting and killing cancer cells while leaving healthy cells alone, and it aims to find out why some cancer cells don't respond to this treatment so that we can make it work better for everyone.

More Pancreatic Cancer research and trials

Quick facts

Grant typeR15 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of North Carolina Charlotte
NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Charlotte, United States)
Project startFebruary 1, 2024
Project endJanuary 31, 2027
Funding year2024
Award (this year)$448,536
NIH project number1R15CA280729-01A1
Project IDNIH-10796294 on NIH RePORTER

Who could benefit from this research

Could help

Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma who may benefit from novel virotherapy treatments.

Less likely to help

Patients with non-pancreatic cancers or those who do not have pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma may not receive any benefit from this research.

What this research studies

This research focuses on developing and enhancing oncolytic viruses, specifically vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV), to target and destroy pancreatic cancer cells. The approach involves using these viruses to infect cancer cells, leading to their destruction while sparing normal tissues. The study aims to understand why some pancreatic cancer cell lines resist treatment with VSV and to identify ways to overcome this resistance. By analyzing the cellular characteristics of various pancreatic cancer lines, the research seeks to improve treatment outcomes for patients with this aggressive cancer.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective and less toxic treatment options for patients with pancreatic cancer.

How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have shown promise with oncolytic viruses in treating various malignancies, indicating potential for success in this novel approach.

Where this research is happening

  • University of North Carolina Charlotte
    Charlotte, United States
    Active

Researchers

  • Principal investigator: Grdzelishvili, Valery Zurabovich — University of North Carolina Charlotte
  • Study coordinator: Grdzelishvili, Valery Zurabovich

Related research

Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.

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.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 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.