ProAgio as a New Treatment for Pancreatic Cancer
ProAgio in Pancreatic Cancer
This research explores a new drug called ProAgio to improve treatment for pancreatic cancer by targeting specific cells that make tumors resistant to therapy.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Alabama at Birmingham NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Birmingham, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11101402 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Pancreatic cancer often resists treatment because of tough surrounding tissue, called cancer-associated fibroblasts, and abnormal blood vessels within the tumor. These factors create a barrier, making it difficult for medicines to reach the cancer cells and allowing the tumor to grow. This project focuses on a new drug, ProAgio, which is designed to specifically target and eliminate these problematic fibroblasts and normalize the blood vessels. ProAgio works by causing these resistant cells to self-destruct, potentially making other treatments more effective. Early results suggest ProAgio is safe and has shown anti-tumor activity in patients.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This foundational research is for patients with pancreatic cancer who may eventually be candidates for future clinical trials involving ProAgio.
Not a fit: Patients whose pancreatic cancer does not involve the specific cells targeted by ProAgio may not receive benefit from this particular approach.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could make current pancreatic cancer treatments more effective and improve patient outcomes by overcoming common resistance mechanisms.
How similar studies have performed: While ProAgio has shown promising safety and early anti-tumor activity in a phase I clinical trial, this specific strategy of simultaneously targeting cancer-associated fibroblasts and abnormal blood vessels with its unique mechanism is a novel approach.
Where this research is happening
Birmingham, United States
- University of Alabama at Birmingham — Birmingham, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: El-Rayes, Bassel — University of Alabama at Birmingham
- Study coordinator: El-Rayes, Bassel
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.