Improving T cell therapy for pancreatic cancer treatment

Enhancing engineered T cell therapeutic efficacy for the treatment of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma

['FUNDING_R01'] · UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA · NIH-10977372

This study is looking at ways to make special immune cells, called T cells, better at fighting pancreatic cancer by helping them target the tumor more effectively and overcome the challenges posed by the cancer environment, with the hope of improving treatment outcomes for patients.

Quick facts

Phase['FUNDING_R01']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorUNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA (nih funded)
Locations1 site (MINNEAPOLIS, UNITED STATES)
Trial IDNIH-10977372 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this research studies

This research focuses on enhancing engineered T cell therapies to treat pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma, a highly aggressive form of cancer. The approach involves creating T cells that specifically target tumor cells while overcoming the suppressive tumor environment that hinders treatment effectiveness. By using a genetically engineered model that mimics human disease, the researchers aim to understand how to improve T cell differentiation and their ability to attack tumors. The study explores the safety and efficacy of these engineered T cells in destroying tumor cells and improving survival rates in animal models.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are patients diagnosed with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma who have limited treatment options.

Not a fit: Patients with early-stage pancreatic cancer or those whose cancer has not metastasized may not benefit from this specific research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective treatments for pancreatic cancer, potentially improving survival rates and quality of life for patients.

How similar studies have performed: Other research has shown promising results with engineered T cell therapies in various cancers, suggesting potential for success in this novel application.

Where this research is happening

MINNEAPOLIS, UNITED STATES

Researchers

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 below.

View on NIH RePORTER →

Conditions: Advanced Cancer

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 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.