Targeting a specific protein to improve treatment for pancreatic cancer

Targeting the lipid kinase PIKfyve in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma

['FUNDING_FELLOWSHIP'] · UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN AT ANN ARBOR · NIH-11071075

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

Phase['FUNDING_FELLOWSHIP']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorUNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN AT ANN ARBOR (nih funded)
Locations1 site (ANN ARBOR, UNITED STATES)
Trial IDNIH-11071075 on ClinicalTrials.gov

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.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are patients diagnosed with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma who may benefit from new therapeutic strategies.

Not a fit: Patients with other types of cancer or those who do not have pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma may not receive benefits from this research.

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 performed: Previous research has shown promise in targeting similar pathways in cancer treatment, indicating potential for success in this approach.

Where this research is happening

ANN ARBOR, 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.

View on NIH RePORTER →

Conditions: anti-cancer therapy, cancer therapy, Cancer Treatment, cancer-directed therapy, Cancers

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 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.