Reprogramming immune cells to help fight pancreatic cancer
Re-wiring PDAC Tumor Immunity Through Dendritic Cells
['FUNDING_R01'] · WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY · NIH-11187150
This work aims to restore and activate key immune cells called dendritic cells so people with pancreatic cancer respond better to radiation and immune treatments.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (SAINT LOUIS, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11187150 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
Researchers have found that a type of immune cell (conventional dendritic cells, cDCs) is dysfunctional in many people with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma, due both to problems in bone marrow development and to these cells being excluded from the tumor. In animal models, giving a growth factor (FLT3L) plus a CD40-activating drug helped bring cDCs back and improved tumor control when combined with radiation. The team plans to translate these findings toward people with pancreatic cancer, building on strong preclinical results. If moved into clinical testing, the approach would combine systemic immune‑priming treatments with radiation to help generate stronger tumor-specific T cell responses.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma, particularly those receiving or eligible for stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) or immunotherapy, would be the ideal candidates.
Not a fit: People without pancreatic cancer, or those with very advanced disease who are not candidates for radiation or immune-based treatments, would likely not benefit from this approach.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could make radiation and immunotherapy work better against pancreatic tumors and improve tumor control.
How similar studies have performed: Preclinical animal studies, including work by these investigators, showed promising results using FLT3L and CD40 with radiation, but this combination is still largely untested in people with pancreatic cancer.
Where this research is happening
SAINT LOUIS, UNITED STATES
- WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY — SAINT LOUIS, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: DENARDO, DAVID G — WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY
- Study coordinator: DENARDO, DAVID G
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.