Improving treatment responses in pancreatic cancer using TNF signaling
Official title: Harnessing TNFa Signaling To Improve Therapeutic Response In Pancreatic Cancer
Funded at Washington University · NIH-11140294 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a specific signaling process in the body can be used to make treatments for pancreatic cancer work better, by exploring how cancer cells interact with nearby cells, with the hope of finding new ways to help patients who are facing this tough disease.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Washington University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Saint Louis, United States) |
| Project start | April 1, 2023 |
| Project end | March 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $602,576 |
| NIH project number | 5R01CA262414-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11140294 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are patients diagnosed with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma who have not responded well to existing therapies.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with other types of cancer or those who have already exhausted all treatment options may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFα) signaling can be harnessed to enhance the effectiveness of therapies for pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). The study employs a 3-dimensional co-culture system to explore the interactions between cancer cells and surrounding fibroblasts, aiming to identify new therapeutic combinations that can overcome resistance mechanisms. By targeting specific pathways involved in cell survival and death, the research seeks to improve treatment outcomes for patients with this aggressive cancer. The ultimate goal is to develop novel therapies that can be tested in clinical trials for PDAC patients.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective treatment options for patients with pancreatic cancer, potentially improving survival rates.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promising results in targeting TNF signaling pathways in cancer treatment, indicating that this approach may be viable.
Where this research is happening
-
Washington University
Saint Louis, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Lim, Kian H — Washington University
- Study coordinator: Lim, Kian H
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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.