Increasing Natural Killer Cell Activity in Pancreatic Cancer
Official title: Promoting Activated Natural Killer (NK) Cell Accumulation in Pancreatic Cancer
Funded at Georgetown University · NIH-10995994 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at ways to make your body's natural killer cells work better against pancreatic cancer, with the hope of improving treatment options and outcomes for patients like you.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Georgetown University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Washington, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2024 |
| Project end | August 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $36,274 |
| NIH project number | 1F30CA294875-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10995994 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma who are seeking innovative treatment options.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with other types of cancer or those who are not diagnosed with pancreatic cancer may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how to enhance the activity of natural killer (NK) cells in pancreatic cancer, a type of cancer known for its poor survival rates. The study focuses on the tumor microenvironment and aims to promote the co-localization of activated NK cells with cancer cells to improve anti-tumor responses. By using a specific inhibitor that targets enzymes involved in cancer progression, the research seeks to boost the effectiveness of existing immunotherapy treatments. Patients may benefit from new therapeutic strategies that could improve outcomes in pancreatic cancer.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective treatments for pancreatic cancer, potentially improving survival rates.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in enhancing NK cell activity in other cancers, suggesting potential success for this novel approach in pancreatic cancer.
Where this research is happening
-
Georgetown University
Washington, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Lekan, Alexander — Georgetown University
- Study coordinator: Lekan, Alexander
Related research
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Targeting aberrant enhancer landscapes in pancreatic cancer
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Exosome-based microRNA biomarkers for early, non-invasive detection of pancreatic cancer
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Exosome-based microRNA biomarkers for early detection of pancreatic cancer
A patient-friendly look at a study using tiny blood-based RNA markers inside exosomes to catch pancreatic cancer early without invasive procedures.
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Programmable implanted living materials to fight pancreatic cancer
A patient-facing program will explore a safe, implantable living material that delivers sequential immunotherapies directly to pancreatic tumors to help fight cancer.
-
Targeting how platelets and pancreatic cancer talk to each other
A study exploring whether blocking the interaction between platelets and pancreatic cancer cells could slow cancer growth and spread and help identify new biomarkers.
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.