Investigating how a specific receptor affects pancreatic cell changes and cancer development
Official title: The CCK-B receptor signaling pathway as a driver of pancreatic cellular plasticity and carcinogenesis
Funded at Georgetown University · NIH-11049099 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a specific receptor in the pancreas might affect the way pancreatic cells change when someone has chronic pancreatitis or pancreatic cancer, and it will test a medication called proglumide to see if it can help reduce inflammation and improve cell function for people dealing with these conditions.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Georgetown University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Washington, United States) |
| Project start | March 1, 2023 |
| Project end | February 29, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $630,773 |
| NIH project number | 5R01CA277680-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11049099 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include adults with chronic pancreatitis or early-stage pancreatic cancer.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with advanced pancreatic cancer who are not responsive to treatment may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding how the cholecystokinin-B receptor (CCK-BR) influences the transformation of pancreatic cells, particularly in the context of chronic pancreatitis and pancreatic cancer. It examines how inflammation can lead to changes in cell types, potentially resulting in cancer. The study involves using a CCK-receptor antagonist, proglumide, to see if it can help restore normal cell function and reduce inflammation in the pancreas. By exploring these mechanisms, the research aims to identify new therapeutic strategies for patients with pancreatic conditions.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that help reverse pancreatic damage and reduce the risk of pancreatic cancer.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results with similar approaches targeting receptor pathways in cancer treatment, suggesting potential for success in this study.
Where this research is happening
-
Georgetown University
Washington, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Smith, Jill P — Georgetown University
- Study coordinator: Smith, Jill P
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
UniProt’s AI-Enhanced Protein Knowledge for Biomedical Research
A large-scale AI-enabled project to expand and improve a global protein knowledgebase to help researchers understand how proteins relate to human health and disease.
-
UniProt uses AI to advance protein knowledge for biomedical research
A large NIH grant uses artificial intelligence to expand and improve a global protein knowledgebase to help understand human health and disease.
-
Multi-omics tools to predict late radiation organ injuries (DEARE-Watch)
Aims to create blood and urine tests that use multiple omics signals to forecast long-term damage to lungs and kidneys after acute radiation exposure, helping patients get early care.
-
National Capital Area NCORP: Expanding Access to Cancer Prevention, Screening, and Care in Underserved Washington DC Area
A community-focused program in the DC area partners with local hospitals to improve cancer prevention, screening, and access to advanced care for underserved populations.
-
Exercise and brain health in older adults with kidney disease
A study to see if a structured exercise program can slow cognitive decline in older adults with chronic kidney disease who are at risk for dementia.
-
AI tools to organize and predict immune-related side effects in cancer therapy
A concrete plan to build AI-powered tools that automatically pull together information about immune-related side effects from cancer immunotherapy to help doctors manage treatment.
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.