Novel Role of Fibrinogen in Pancreatic Cancer and a New Therapy Target
Official title: Novel Pathogenic Roles and Mechanisms of Fibrinogen in Pancreatic Cancer
Funded at Michael E Debakey VA Medical Center · NIH-11266182 · Data updated 2026-11-12
Aims to understand how fibrinogen helps pancreatic cancer grow and spread, and tests a new therapy (A2 protein) to improve treatment alongside standard chemotherapy for patients with pancreatic cancer.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Michael E Debakey VA Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Houston, United States) |
| Project start | January 1, 2024 |
| Project end | December 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2027 |
| NIH project number | 5I01BX005806-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11266182 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Patients with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma, especially those with high fibrinogen expression or basal subtype indicators, who are candidates for first-line chemotherapy.
✕Less likely to help
Patients whose tumors do not rely on fibrinogen-driven pathways or cannot tolerate the A2 protein therapy may not benefit.
What this research studies
This project explores how high levels of fibrinogen may drive pancreatic cancer progression through the AKT/STAT3 signaling pathway, potentially making tumors more aggressive and resistant to treatment. The researchers have identified a promising new therapy called A2 protein to target fibrinogen in combination with first-line chemotherapy. If successful, the work could lead to new approaches that slow metastasis, enhance cancer cell death, and improve responses to existing drugs. The study involves experiments in models relevant to human pancreatic cancer and builds on preliminary data suggesting fibrinogen’s role in tumor biology. Ultimately, results could lay the groundwork for new therapeutic strategies for patients with PDAC, particularly in populations with higher disease burden like veterans.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Could lead to a new combination therapy that improves survival and response to chemotherapy for pancreatic cancer patients.
How similar studies have gone: Preliminary data indicate a mechanistic link between fibrinogen and pancreatic cancer progression; however, clinical translation remains to be demonstrated.
Where this research is happening
-
Michael E Debakey VA Medical Center
Houston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Yao, Qizhi C. — Michael E Debakey VA Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Yao, Qizhi C.
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Targeting how platelets and pancreatic cancer talk to each other
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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.