Targeting a specific protein to improve treatment for pancreatic cancer
Official title: Targeting the lipid kinase PIKfyve in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma
Funded at University of Michigan at Ann Arbor · NIH-11071075 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how blocking a protein called PIKfyve might help fight pancreatic cancer by making it harder for the cancer to survive when there aren't many nutrients, and it hopes to find new ways to improve treatment for patients.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Michigan at Ann Arbor NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Ann Arbor, United States) |
| Project start | March 1, 2025 |
| Project end | February 29, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $43,109 |
| NIH project number | 1F30CA288093-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11071075 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are patients diagnosed with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma who may benefit from new therapeutic strategies.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with other types of cancer or those who do not have pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma may not receive benefits from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of a protein called PIKfyve in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), a challenging type of cancer. The study aims to understand how inhibiting PIKfyve can disrupt the cancer's ability to thrive in a nutrient-poor environment, potentially leading to better treatment options. Researchers will explore the effects of PIKfyve inhibition in combination with other therapies, particularly focusing on its interaction with the KRAS-MAPK pathway. The ultimate goal is to establish a new therapeutic strategy that could improve patient outcomes in PDAC.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective treatments for pancreatic cancer, potentially improving survival rates.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in targeting similar pathways in cancer treatment, indicating potential for success in this approach.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Michigan at Ann Arbor
Ann Arbor, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Cheng, Caleb — University of Michigan at Ann Arbor
- Study coordinator: Cheng, Caleb
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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.