Investigating how gut bacteria affect immune response in pancreatic cancer.
Official title: Mechanistic investigations of microbiome-driven aryl hydrocarbon receptor activity and macrophage function in pancreatic cancer.
Funded at University Health Network · NIH-11066513 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how the bacteria in our bodies might affect the immune system and tumor growth in pancreatic cancer, and it aims to find ways to boost the effectiveness of current treatments for patients with this condition.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University Health Network NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Toronto, Canada) |
| Project start | May 1, 2021 |
| Project end | April 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $333,463 |
| NIH project number | 5R01CA255670-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-11066513 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are patients diagnosed with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma who may benefit from novel immunotherapy approaches.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with non-pancreatic cancers or those who are not eligible for immunotherapy may not receive benefits from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding the role of the microbiome in pancreatic cancer, particularly how it influences immune cell function and the tumor environment. By studying the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR), which is affected by microbial metabolites, the researchers aim to uncover mechanisms that lead to immune suppression in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). The team has developed a mouse model to explore these interactions and assess how modifying AhR activity could enhance responses to existing cancer treatments. This could lead to new strategies for improving patient outcomes in pancreatic cancer.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatment options for pancreatic cancer patients by enhancing the effectiveness of current therapies.
How similar studies have gone: While the specific approach of targeting the microbiome and AhR in pancreatic cancer is relatively novel, there is growing evidence that similar strategies have shown promise in other cancer types.
Where this research is happening
-
University Health Network
Toronto, Canada Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Mcgaha, Tracy L — University Health Network
- Study coordinator: Mcgaha, Tracy L
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Microbial Dysbiosis and Its Role in Pancreatic Cancer
A doctor-researcher team at Northwestern University is studying how gut bacteria influence pancreatic cancer and its response to immunotherapy to find new ways to help patients.
-
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.
-
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.