Improving pancreatic cancer treatment by normalizing tumor environment with nanoparticles
Official title: Normalizing PDAC stroma with PCBP2 siRNA nanoparticles to improve the antitumor activity of chemotherapy and immunotherapy
Funded at University of Missouri Kansas City · NIH-11062416 · Data updated 2026-11-12
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.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Missouri Kansas City NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Kansas City, United States) |
| Project start | April 1, 2023 |
| Project end | March 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $367,571 |
| NIH project number | 5R01CA271592-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11062416 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are patients diagnosed with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma who are undergoing chemotherapy or immunotherapy.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with other types of cancer or those not receiving chemotherapy or immunotherapy may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), a highly aggressive cancer characterized by a dense stroma that hinders effective treatment. The approach involves using nanoparticles to deliver siRNA targeting specific proteins in the tumor stroma, aiming to normalize this environment rather than deplete it. By enhancing the effectiveness of chemotherapy and immunotherapy, the goal is to improve drug penetration and immune response against the tumor. Patients may benefit from a more effective treatment strategy that addresses the unique challenges posed by PDAC.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatment outcomes for patients with pancreatic cancer by enhancing the effectiveness of existing therapies.
How similar studies have gone: While strategies to deplete PDAC stroma have failed in clinical trials, this novel approach of normalizing the stroma in conjunction with therapy has not been extensively tested, making it a potentially groundbreaking avenue.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Missouri Kansas City
Kansas City, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Cheng, Kun — University of Missouri Kansas City
- Study coordinator: Cheng, Kun
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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-
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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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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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How tumor genetics affect immune responses in pancreatic cancer treatment
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.
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.