Investigating how metabolic interactions in pancreatic cancer affect treatment response
Official title: Targeting Metabolic Crosstalk in Pancreatic Cancer
Funded at University of California-Irvine · NIH-11078861 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how different cells in pancreatic cancer tumors work together and how this affects treatment, with the goal of finding ways to make existing therapies more effective for patients.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R37 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California-Irvine NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Irvine, United States) |
| Project start | May 1, 2024 |
| Project end | April 30, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $445,319 |
| NIH project number | 5R37CA283575-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11078861 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma who are seeking new treatment options.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with other types of cancer or those who are not diagnosed with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDA), a challenging cancer with limited treatment options. It examines the complex interactions between different cell types within the tumor microenvironment, particularly how metabolic exchanges between cancer cell subpopulations contribute to resistance against therapies. By targeting these metabolic interactions, the research aims to enhance the effectiveness of existing treatments and potentially improve patient outcomes. The study will explore the role of asparagine and mitochondrial metabolism in overcoming therapeutic resistance.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective treatment strategies for pancreatic cancer patients, improving survival rates and quality of life.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in targeting metabolic pathways in cancer treatment, suggesting that this approach could yield significant advancements.
Where this research is happening
-
University of California-Irvine
Irvine, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Halbrook, Christopher J. — University of California-Irvine
- Study coordinator: Halbrook, Christopher J.
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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.