Investigating how tumor surroundings affect cancer cell growth in pancreatic cancer
Official title: Targeting Stromal Influences on BCKA Addiction in PDAC Tumors
Funded at University of Michigan at Ann Arbor · NIH-11080963 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain cells in the environment around pancreatic cancer cells affect the way the cancer uses important nutrients, with the hope of finding new ways to improve treatment for people with this type of cancer.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Michigan at Ann Arbor NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Ann Arbor, United States) |
| Project start | March 1, 2022 |
| Project end | February 28, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $574,113 |
| NIH project number | 5R01CA271369-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-11080963 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are patients diagnosed with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma, particularly those with specific genetic alterations such as SMAD4 deletion.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with other types of cancer or those without pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding the role of the tumor microenvironment, particularly the cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs), in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). It aims to explore how these stromal cells influence the metabolism of branched chain amino acids (BCAAs) and their impact on cancer progression. By examining the metabolic interactions between cancer cells and stromal cells, the research seeks to identify potential therapeutic targets that could improve treatment outcomes for patients with PDAC. The study will utilize patient-derived samples to validate findings and explore new treatment strategies.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapies that specifically target the metabolic interactions in pancreatic cancer, potentially improving survival rates.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promising results in targeting metabolic pathways in cancer, suggesting that this approach could be effective, although the specific focus on stromal influences in PDAC is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Michigan at Ann Arbor
Ann Arbor, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Nagrath, Deepak — University of Michigan at Ann Arbor
- Study coordinator: Nagrath, Deepak
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Blocking fibroblast-made nutrients that feed pancreatic cancer
This work looks at whether stopping support from tumor fibroblasts for a specific nutrient pathway can slow pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC).
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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.