MUC1-targeted nanoparticles that deliver two chemotherapy drugs to pancreatic cancer
Stimuli-responsive mucin1-specific nanoparticles for efficacious combinatorial chemotherapy of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma
A targeted nanoparticle is designed to carry gemcitabine and cisplatin into MUC1-positive pancreatic tumors to try to improve treatment for people with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of North Carolina Charlotte NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Charlotte, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11143710 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This project builds tiny, tumor-seeking particles that bind to a protein called MUC1 found on many pancreatic cancer cells. The particles hold gemcitabine and cisplatin and are engineered to release the drugs when they reach the tumor environment. The team has synthesized and tested these nanoparticles in laboratory models and is optimizing drug ratios and release triggers to increase tumor killing. If results continue to look promising in preclinical work, the approach could move toward human testing for people with MUC1-positive pancreatic cancer.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma whose tumors express tumor-associated MUC1 and who are eligible for gemcitabine- and cisplatin-based chemotherapy would be the most likely candidates.
Not a fit: Patients whose tumors lack MUC1, who cannot tolerate gemcitabine or cisplatin, or whose disease cannot be reached effectively by nanoparticle delivery may not benefit.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could boost chemotherapy delivery to tumors, improve cancer control, and lower side effects by reducing exposure to healthy tissue.
How similar studies have performed: Some nanoparticle drug formulations (for example, albumin-bound paclitaxel/Abraxane) have shown benefit in pancreatic cancer, but MUC1-targeted, stimuli-responsive dual-drug nanoparticles remain largely preclinical and unproven in patients.
Where this research is happening
Charlotte, United States
- University of North Carolina Charlotte — Charlotte, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Vivero-Escoto, Juan Luis — University of North Carolina Charlotte
- Study coordinator: Vivero-Escoto, Juan Luis
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.