RB activation’s impact on the pancreatic cancer epigenome and tumor environment
Official title: Impact of RB activation on the pancreatic cancer epigenome and tumor microenvironment
Funded at Roswell Park Cancer Institute Corp · NIH-11360160 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This project studies how turning on a tumor suppressor called RB changes the biology of pancreatic cancer and its surrounding environment, with the goal of guiding better treatments for patients.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Roswell Park Cancer Institute Corp NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Buffalo, United States) |
| Project start | July 7, 2023 |
| Project end | June 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $505,216 |
| NIH project number | 5R01CA275081-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-11360160 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates are patients with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma whose tumors can be represented in patient-derived models or whose data can contribute to understanding RB pathway involvement in PDAC.
✕Less likely to help
Patients whose tumors do not rely on RB pathway dynamics or who are not represented in the study models may see no direct benefit.
What this research studies
Pancreatic cancer is highly deadly and hard to treat. The research uses patient-derived models and unbiased analyses to understand how RB activation affects tumor growth, gene expression, and immune-related features in pancreatic tumors. By mapping these changes, the study aims to reveal new angles for therapies that could work alongside existing approaches. The work focuses on how RB interacts with KRAS-driven cancer biology to limit proliferation and reshape the tumor microenvironment.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the findings could inform new combination therapies that overcome resistance and improve outcomes for pancreatic cancer patients.
How similar studies have gone: Early work suggests RB activation can limit PDAC growth and alter gene programs; this project builds on that foundation with more detailed mechanisms and clinical relevance.
Where this research is happening
-
Roswell Park Cancer Institute Corp
Buffalo, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Witkiewicz, Agnieszka — Roswell Park Cancer Institute Corp
- Study coordinator: Witkiewicz, Agnieszka
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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.