Investigating how alcohol increases the risk of pancreatic cancer
Official title: Role of Alcohol as a risk factor in the induction of Pancreatic Carcinogenesis
Funded at Southeast Louisiana Veterans Health Care · NIH-10881746 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how drinking a lot of alcohol might increase the risk of pancreatic cancer, especially in military veterans who may struggle with alcohol use, to help find better ways to diagnose and treat those at risk.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Southeast Louisiana Veterans Health Care NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New Orleans, United States) |
| Project start | July 1, 2020 |
| Project end | June 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| NIH project number | 5I01BX004513-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-10881746 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals with a history of heavy alcohol use, particularly military veterans and civilians at risk for pancreatic cancer.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not consume alcohol or have no risk factors for pancreatic cancer may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding the connection between heavy alcohol consumption and the development of pancreatic cancer, a highly lethal disease. It aims to explore the cellular and molecular mechanisms by which alcohol may contribute to cancer risk, particularly in populations such as military veterans who often face alcohol use disorders. By examining how alcohol affects pancreatic cells and identifying specific genes involved in this process, the research seeks to shed light on the factors that lead to pancreatic cancer. This could ultimately help in developing better diagnostic and therapeutic strategies for at-risk individuals.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved understanding and prevention strategies for pancreatic cancer in individuals with a history of heavy alcohol consumption.
How similar studies have gone: While the relationship between alcohol and pancreatic cancer has been noted, this research aims to explore specific mechanisms, making it a novel approach in this area.
Where this research is happening
-
Southeast Louisiana Veterans Health Care
New Orleans, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Shankar, Sharmila — Southeast Louisiana Veterans Health Care
- Study coordinator: Shankar, Sharmila
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.