Linking pancreatic tumor and surrounding tissue to predict treatment response
Integrating tumor and stroma to understand and predict treatment response
['FUNDING_U01'] · UNIV OF NORTH CAROLINA CHAPEL HILL · NIH-11163503
This project uses tumor and nearby tissue profiles to help predict which pancreatic cancer patients will respond to different chemotherapy options.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_U01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | UNIV OF NORTH CAROLINA CHAPEL HILL (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (CHAPEL HILL, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11163503 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
This work looks at both the pancreatic tumor cells and the surrounding stromal tissue to better predict treatment response. Researchers use RNA sequencing of tumor samples and computational deconvolution tools (DECODER) to separate tumor-intrinsic signals from the tumor microenvironment, and they apply a single-sample classifier called PurIST. They have found two tumor types (basal and classical) and two stromal states (activated and normal), with basal tumors and activated stroma linked to poorer outcomes and basal tumors often not responding to FOLFIRINOX. PurIST is CLIA-certified and is being tested in clinical trials to guide treatment selection based on these molecular profiles.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates are people with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma who can provide a tumor sample or have tumor sequencing and are considering first-line chemotherapy.
Not a fit: Patients without available tumor tissue, those with non‑pancreatic cancers, or patients whose treatment cannot be changed based on molecular testing may not benefit directly.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could help doctors pick more effective therapies and avoid giving patients chemotherapy that is unlikely to work.
How similar studies have performed: Prior studies have supported these tumor subtypes and shown PurIST predicts response (and is CLIA-certified), while integrating tumor and stroma interactions is a newer approach still under testing.
Where this research is happening
CHAPEL HILL, UNITED STATES
- UNIV OF NORTH CAROLINA CHAPEL HILL — CHAPEL HILL, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: YEH, JEN JEN — UNIV OF NORTH CAROLINA CHAPEL HILL
- Study coordinator: YEH, JEN JEN
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 below.
Conditions: Cancer Biology