Resistance to neoantigen vaccines in pancreatic cancer
Project 2: Mechanisms of Resistance to Neoantigen Vaccines in PDAC
Optimized neoantigen vaccines aim to boost tumor-specific T cells in people with pancreatic cancer.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Washington University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Saint Louis, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11187265 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This project builds on earlier vaccine work that used patient-specific neoantigens delivered as DNA or long peptides and showed strong immune responses in some pancreatic cancer patients. Researchers use computer algorithms to pick both class I and class II neoantigens and make optimized vaccines given after neoadjuvant chemotherapy but before surgery. During this pre-surgery “window” they collect blood and tumor tissue to measure neoantigen-specific CD4 and CD8 T cells inside the tumor and in circulation. The team studies why some tumors resist vaccine-induced immunity so they can design strategies to increase the number and function of tumor-targeting T cells.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma who are eligible for neoadjuvant chemotherapy and have planned surgery (window trial candidates) are the ideal candidates.
Not a fit: Patients with widespread metastatic disease not eligible for neoadjuvant therapy or surgery, or those with very low tumor neoantigen burden or severely suppressed immune systems, may be unlikely to benefit.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the work could increase tumor-targeting immune cells and improve treatment responses for people with pancreatic cancer.
How similar studies have performed: Early-phase neoantigen vaccine trials in pancreatic cancer have produced robust immune responses and hints of better-than-expected clinical outcomes, but larger studies are still needed.
Where this research is happening
Saint Louis, United States
- Washington University — Saint Louis, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Hawkins, William G — Washington University
- Study coordinator: Hawkins, William 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.