Targeting a protein to disrupt lipid transfer in pancreatic cancer

Targeting anoctamin 6 to disrupt trogocytosis of cancer-associated fibroblasts

NIH-funded research Research Inst of Fox Chase Can Ctr · NIH-11058889

This study is looking at how pancreatic cancer cells get important fats from nearby support cells and how a specific protein, ANO6, helps with this process; by blocking this interaction, the researchers hope to make immunotherapy work better for patients with pancreatic cancer.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionResearch Inst of Fox Chase Can Ctr NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Philadelphia, United States)
Project IDNIH-11058889 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates how pancreatic cancer cells obtain essential lipids from cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) through a process called trogocytosis. The study focuses on a specific protein, anoctamin 6 (ANO6), which plays a crucial role in this lipid transfer and is also involved in immune suppression. By disrupting the interaction between cancer cells and CAFs, the research aims to enhance the effectiveness of immunotherapy for pancreatic cancer. Patients may benefit from new treatment strategies that target this mechanism to improve their response to existing therapies.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are patients diagnosed with pancreatic adenocarcinoma who are seeking innovative treatment options.

Not a fit: Patients with other types of cancer or those who are not diagnosed with pancreatic adenocarcinoma may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective immunotherapy options for patients with pancreatic cancer.

How similar studies have performed: Other research has shown promising results in targeting similar mechanisms in cancer biology, suggesting potential for success in this approach.

Where this research is happening

Philadelphia, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Conditions anti-canceranti-cancer immunotherapyanticancer immunotherapyCancer Biologycancer cell
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.