Investigating a new treatment approach for pancreatic cancer with specific genetic mutations
Official title: POLQ Synthetic Lethality in HR-Deficient Pancreatic Adenocarcinoma
Funded at University of California, San Diego · NIH-11100866 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at a type of pancreatic cancer that has certain genetic changes, and it aims to understand how a protein called polymerase theta helps these cancer cells survive, so that new treatments can be developed to work better alongside current therapies for patients with specific genetic mutations.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California, San Diego NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (La Jolla, United States) |
| Project start | July 16, 2020 |
| Project end | June 30, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $523,841 |
| NIH project number | 7R01CA245005-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-11100866 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 specific genetic mutations such as BRCA1/2 or ATM deficiencies.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with pancreatic cancer who do not have HR deficiencies or the specific genetic mutations targeted by this research may not benefit.
What this research studies
This research focuses on pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDA), a deadly form of cancer that often has genetic mutations affecting DNA repair mechanisms. The study aims to explore the role of polymerase theta (POLQ) in these tumors, particularly those with homologous recombination deficiencies, which are linked to poor responses to traditional therapies. By understanding how POLQ contributes to cancer cell survival, the researchers hope to develop novel treatment strategies that could enhance the effectiveness of existing therapies, such as PARP inhibitors. Patients with specific genetic mutations may benefit from targeted therapies that exploit these vulnerabilities.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective treatment options for patients with HR-deficient pancreatic cancer.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in targeting DNA repair mechanisms in cancer, suggesting potential for success in this novel approach.
Where this research is happening
-
University of California, San Diego
La Jolla, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Simeone, Diane M — University of California, San Diego
- Study coordinator: Simeone, Diane M
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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.