Improving T cell infiltration in pancreatic cancer to enhance treatment effectiveness
Official title: Enhancing intratumoral T cell infiltration by deliver of shCXCL5 in a Plectin targeted AAV to improve checkpoint blockade efficacy
Funded at University of Kansas Medical Center · NIH-11009029 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at a new way to help people with pancreatic cancer by improving how well their immune system can fight the disease, especially for those who haven't had good results with current treatments.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R03 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Kansas Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Kansas City, United States) |
| Project start | January 8, 2024 |
| Project end | December 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $77,500 |
| NIH project number | 5R03CA286703-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11009029 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma, particularly those with advanced disease and obesity.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with early-stage pancreatic cancer or those without obesity may not receive significant benefits from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), a highly lethal cancer that often does not respond well to current immunotherapies. The approach involves using a targeted delivery system to enhance the infiltration of T cells into tumors, which is crucial for mounting an effective immune response. By manipulating the tumor microenvironment and addressing factors like obesity that contribute to tumor growth and immune evasion, the research aims to improve the efficacy of checkpoint blockade therapies. Patients may benefit from a more effective treatment option that could lead to better outcomes.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatment options for patients with pancreatic cancer, potentially increasing survival rates.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promise in enhancing T cell responses in various cancers, suggesting that this approach could be effective, although it is still relatively novel in the context of pancreatic cancer.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Kansas Medical Center
Kansas City, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Vansaun, Michael Nathan — University of Kansas Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Vansaun, Michael Nathan
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.