Improving Pancreatic Cancer Treatment by Blocking Nutrient Uptake
Macropinocytosis Inhibition as a Glutamine Mimetic Sensitization Strategy in Pancreatic Cancer
['FUNDING_R01'] · SANFORD BURNHAM PREBYS MEDICAL DISCOVERY INSTITUTE · NIH-11140491
This project explores new ways to make pancreatic cancer treatments more effective by cutting off a vital nutrient supply to cancer cells.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | SANFORD BURNHAM PREBYS MEDICAL DISCOVERY INSTITUTE (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (LA JOLLA, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11140491 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
Pancreatic cancer cells depend heavily on a nutrient called glutamine to grow and spread. While directly targeting glutamine enzymes hasn't worked well, this project looks at a broader approach using a drug called DON. We've found that DON works by blocking the production of another nutrient, asparagine, which is a new discovery. Cancer cells can adapt to this by increasing their ability to 'eat' proteins from their surroundings through a process called macropinocytosis. This research aims to find out if blocking macropinocytosis can make DON even more powerful against pancreatic cancer.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Patients with pancreatic cancer who may benefit from new treatment strategies that target cancer cell metabolism could be ideal candidates for future clinical applications.
Not a fit: Patients whose cancer does not rely on glutamine or macropinocytosis for growth may not receive direct benefit from this specific approach.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could lead to more effective treatments for pancreatic cancer by making existing therapies work better.
How similar studies have performed: While direct glutamine enzyme targeting has had limited success, this project explores a novel combination strategy of broadly targeting glutamine utilization and blocking adaptive nutrient uptake.
Where this research is happening
LA JOLLA, UNITED STATES
- SANFORD BURNHAM PREBYS MEDICAL DISCOVERY INSTITUTE — LA JOLLA, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: COMMISSO, COSIMO — SANFORD BURNHAM PREBYS MEDICAL DISCOVERY INSTITUTE
- Study coordinator: COMMISSO, COSIMO
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.