New immunotherapy approach for pancreatic cancer using micro-RNA-29a
Official title: A novel immunotherapy for pancreatic cancer using micro-RNA-29a
Funded at University of Miami School of Medicine · NIH-10997577 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing a new treatment for pancreatic cancer that helps boost the immune system's ability to fight tumors by reviving important immune cells, and it's designed for patients looking for better options to improve their chances of survival.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Miami School of Medicine NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Coral Gables, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2024 |
| Project end | July 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $53,974 |
| NIH project number | 1F31CA294908-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10997577 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are patients diagnosed with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma who have limited treatment options.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with early-stage pancreatic cancer who can undergo surgery may not benefit from this immunotherapy approach.
What this research studies
This research investigates a novel immunotherapy for pancreatic cancer that focuses on enhancing the function of CD8 T cells, which are crucial for fighting tumors. The approach aims to counteract the exhaustion of these immune cells, which often occurs in the tumor environment, by using micro-RNA-29a to restore their ability to attack cancer cells. By combining this treatment with existing immune checkpoint blockade therapies, the goal is to improve patient outcomes and increase survival rates for those with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly improve treatment options and survival rates for patients with pancreatic cancer.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in using micro-RNA to enhance immune responses in other cancers, suggesting potential for success in this novel application.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Miami School of Medicine
Coral Gables, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Rafie, Christine Isabelle — University of Miami School of Medicine
- Study coordinator: Rafie, Christine Isabelle
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Understanding how T cell receptors affect pancreatic cancer immunotherapy
A cancer research grant is exploring how specific T cells recognize pancreatic cancer and how that recognition might predict or improve responses to immunotherapy.
-
Novel virus therapy to help pancreatic cancer patients fight their disease
A new oncolytic virus designed to target pancreatic cancer is being developed to help patients by boosting immune response and overcoming treatment resistance.
-
Recombinant IL-33 Immunotherapy for Pancreatic Cancer
A new immunotherapy approach using recombinant IL-33 aims to help people with pancreatic cancer by activating immune cells inside tumors to fight the cancer.
-
Blocking VIP signaling to help the immune system fight pancreatic cancer
This grant tests a new approach aimed at helping the immune system attack pancreatic cancer by blocking a signaling pathway that's dampening immune responses in tumors.
-
Engineering smart nanoparticles to help the immune system fight pancreatic cancer
Aims to use tiny, specially designed particles to deliver cancer-fighting drugs and immune-boosting signals to pancreatic tumors to help the body attack the cancer.
-
TROP2-targeting CAR-NK therapy for pancreatic cancer
This project develops an off-the-shelf natural killer (NK) cell therapy engineered to target the TROP2 protein on pancreatic cancer cells.
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.