Investigating how adenosine signaling affects pancreatic cancer treatment outcomes
Official title: Causes and Consequences of Adenosine Signaling in Pancreatic Cancer
Funded at University of California Los Angeles · NIH-11126023 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at ways to make chemotherapy work better for people with pancreatic cancer by boosting a substance called ATP that helps fight tumors, while also figuring out how to stop certain enzymes in the tumors from turning it into something that weakens the immune system.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California Los Angeles NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Los Angeles, United States) |
| Project start | June 26, 2024 |
| Project end | May 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $653,625 |
| NIH project number | 5R01CA290888-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11126023 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are patients diagnosed with borderline resectable pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma who are undergoing neoadjuvant chemotherapy.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with advanced pancreatic cancer who are not eligible for neoadjuvant treatment may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), a highly aggressive cancer known for its immune suppression and resistance to therapies. The study aims to enhance the effectiveness of standard chemotherapy by increasing extracellular ATP levels, which can promote anti-tumor inflammation. However, the presence of certain enzymes in PDAC tumors converts ATP into adenosine, which suppresses immune responses. By evaluating patient specimens from a clinical trial, the research seeks to understand how inhibiting these enzymes can improve treatment outcomes and immune responses in patients with PDAC.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatment strategies that enhance anti-tumor immunity in pancreatic cancer patients.
How similar studies have gone: Previous clinical trials have shown promising results with similar approaches, indicating potential for success in this area of research.
Where this research is happening
-
University of California Los Angeles
Los Angeles, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Donahue, Timothy R — University of California Los Angeles
- Study coordinator: Donahue, Timothy R
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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.