Overcoming barriers in pancreatic cancer therapy
Official title: OVERCOMING STROMAL BARRIERS TO THERAPEUTICS IN PANCREAS CANCER
Funded at University of Nebraska Medical Center · NIH-11334281 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A cancer research project that explores how pancreatic tumors resist treatment and how to improve therapies by studying tumor cells and their surrounding environment in animal models.
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 start | August 11, 2022 |
| Project end | May 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $461,558 |
| NIH project number | 5R01CA161112-17 |
| Project ID | NIH-11334281 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates are patients with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma or those interested in translational research related to tumor biology and therapy resistance, as future trials may build on these findings.
✕Less likely to help
Direct benefits are not guaranteed for all patients in the near term since this is preclinical work using animal models, though insights may guide future therapies.
What this research studies
This project uses genetically engineered animal models that mimic human pancreatic cancer to understand how tumor cells interact with surrounding tissue and blood vessels. Researchers will study both cell-intrinsic and non-cell-intrinsic factors that drive tumor growth and resistance to therapy. The work aims to identify principles of disease biology that could lead to new treatment strategies tested in these models. The ultimate goal is to inform approaches that make therapies more effective for patients with pancreatic cancer.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the research could reveal new targets and strategies to overcome treatment resistance in pancreatic cancer, potentially leading to better patient outcomes.
How similar studies have gone: Preclinical work with genetically engineered pancreatic cancer models has informed understanding of tumor biology and resistance, with some strategies moving toward clinical testing.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Nebraska Medical Center
Omaha, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Hingorani, Sunil R — University of Nebraska Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Hingorani, Sunil R
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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SPORE in Pancreas Cancer at MSK: advancing personalized therapy for pancreatic cancer
A large, multi-year program at Memorial Sloan Kettering aims to tailor pancreatic cancer treatment to each patient’s biology to improve survival and outcomes.
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How nerves influence pancreatic cancer progression and immune response
This NIH grant tests whether nerves and nerve signals affect pancreatic cancer growth and the body’s immune response, with findings that could lead to new therapies for people with pancreatic cancer.
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How low oxygen makes pancreatic cancer cells more aggressive
This project looks at whether low oxygen areas inside pancreatic tumors cause cancer cells to become more aggressive and resist chemotherapy, aiming to help people with pancreatic cancer.
-
How different dietary fats affect pancreatic cancer start and growth
This project looks at whether specific kinds of high-fat diets speed up or slow the start and growth of pancreatic cancer to help people at risk understand dietary effects.
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Immune signals that make pancreatic cancer more stem‑like and aggressive
Looking at whether an immune signal called IL‑22, working through its receptor IL‑22RA1 and STAT3, makes pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma cells more stem‑like and aggressive to guide future treatments for people with PDAC.
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Memorial Sloan Kettering pancreas cancer program
This program uses advanced genetic testing and new treatment approaches to try to improve care for people with locally advanced or metastatic pancreas cancer.
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.