Investigating how race affects pancreatic cancer development
Official title: Racial contributions of microenvironment remolding during pancreatic metaplasia
Funded at Florida Agricultural and Mechanical Univ · NIH-10931525 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how racial differences might affect the early changes in the pancreas that can lead to pancreatic cancer, focusing on tissues from Black, White, and Hispanic donors to help find better ways to prevent and treat this disease, especially for those at higher risk.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Florida Agricultural and Mechanical Univ NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Tallahassee, United States) |
| Project start | September 19, 2018 |
| Project end | August 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $84,523 |
| NIH project number | 5U54CA233396-07 |
| Project ID | NIH-10931525 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals from Black, White, and Hispanic backgrounds who are at risk for or have been diagnosed with pancreatic conditions.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not belong to the racial groups being studied or those without pancreatic conditions may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding how racial differences influence the process of acinar-to-ductal metaplasia (ADM), which is a key early event in the development of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). By examining pancreatic tissues from Black, White, and Hispanic donors, the study aims to uncover the cellular and molecular mechanisms that contribute to the higher incidence of PDAC in Black populations. The research will utilize both normal and diseased pancreatic tissues to provide a comprehensive view of how race impacts ADM and its progression to cancer. This could lead to targeted prevention strategies and treatments for those at higher risk.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved prevention and treatment strategies for pancreatic cancer, particularly for Black patients who are disproportionately affected.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has indicated significant racial differences in pancreatic cancer development, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Florida Agricultural and Mechanical Univ
Tallahassee, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Ali, Jamel — Florida Agricultural and Mechanical Univ
- Study coordinator: Ali, Jamel
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
eHealth program to increase cervical cancer screening in Hispanic women
This program uses electronic education delivered by trusted community promotoras to help Hispanic women get up to date with cervical cancer screening.
-
New drugs targeting the 5‑HT7 serotonin receptor to relieve nerve pain
Developing new drugs that act on a serotonin receptor to help people with chronic neuropathic (nerve) pain.
-
Midasin: a possible marker for hormone therapy–resistant breast cancer
Researchers are looking at whether a protein called midasin can help identify and explain breast cancers that stop responding to hormone treatments.
-
Community Outreach to Advance Cancer Prevention and Research Engagement
A community-focused program works with Florida and California partners to share cancer research results, educate the public about clinical studies, and train community members to help spread cancer prevention and early detection messages.
-
CaRE2 Cancer Research Education Core supports future cancer researchers
A grant to train and mentor scientists who will study cancer and help reduce its impact in the US.
-
Planning and Evaluation Core for Cancer Care in Florida and California
A national cancer-reduction effort through a planning and evaluation hub helps Florida, California, and the U.S. improve cancer programs and track progress.
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.