Nanoparticle therapy combining stroma‑targeting and AKT/ERK blockers for pancreatic cancer
Nanomedicine of Hedgehog and AKT/ERK Dual Inhibitors for Pancreatic Cancer
This project combines a stroma‑reducing drug, an AKT/ERK blocker, and EGFR‑targeted nanoparticles carrying gemcitabine to help chemotherapy reach and kill pancreatic cancer cells.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Nebraska Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Omaha, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11250130 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
From my perspective, researchers are developing targeted nanoparticles that carry gemcitabine and the AKT/ERK blocker ONC201 while giving a Hedgehog inhibitor (MDB5) first to thin the tumor stroma so drugs can penetrate better. The nanoparticles are directed at EGFR to concentrate therapy in pancreatic tumors and have shown increased drug accumulation in early animal models compared with free drug. The approach aims to trigger cancer cell death via TRAIL‑mediated apoptosis and to work across common KRAS mutations. This work is currently preclinical and focused on lab and animal studies to prepare for possible future clinical testing.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma, especially tumors that express EGFR or carry KRAS mutations, would be most relevant to this research and future trials.
Not a fit: Patients without pancreatic cancer, those whose tumors lack EGFR, or anyone seeking an immediate treatment benefit are unlikely to gain direct benefit from this preclinical project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could make chemotherapy more effective for pancreatic cancer by improving drug delivery and increasing tumor cell death.
How similar studies have performed: Nanoparticle delivery and stromal modulation have improved drug uptake in animal studies, but Hedgehog inhibition produced mixed results in human trials, so this exact combination remains experimental.
Where this research is happening
Omaha, United States
- University of Nebraska Medical Center — Omaha, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Mahato, Ram I. — University of Nebraska Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Mahato, Ram I.
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.