Targeting a specific receptor to prevent pancreatic cancer
Official title: Targeting the A2B Adenosine Receptor for Immunoprevention of Pancreatic Cancer
Funded at University of Tx Md Anderson Can Ctr · NIH-11329430 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a specific receptor in the body might help pancreatic cancer grow by weakening the immune system around the tumor, and it will test new medications that could block this receptor to see if they can help prevent cancer in people who are at high risk.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Tx Md Anderson Can Ctr NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Houston, United States) |
| Project start | September 15, 2023 |
| Project end | March 14, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $678,909 |
| NIH project number | 75N91019D00021-P00003-759102300003-1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11329430 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with a family history of pancreatic cancer or those diagnosed with precancerous conditions such as pancreatic intraepithelial neoplasia (PanIN).
✕Less likely to help
Patients who have already been diagnosed with advanced pancreatic cancer may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how the adenosine A2B receptor contributes to the development of pancreatic cancer by promoting immune suppression in the tumor microenvironment. The study will evaluate the effectiveness of A2B receptor inhibitors using genetically engineered mouse models that mimic human precancerous conditions. By understanding the pharmacokinetics and efficacy of these inhibitors, the research aims to lay the groundwork for future clinical trials aimed at preventing pancreatic cancer in high-risk populations. Patients may benefit from insights that could lead to new preventive strategies against this aggressive cancer.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new preventive treatments for individuals at high risk of developing pancreatic cancer.
How similar studies have gone: Other research targeting the adenosine signaling pathway has shown promise in various cancers, suggesting that this approach may be effective in pancreatic cancer as well.
Where this research is happening
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University of Tx Md Anderson Can Ctr
Houston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Wu, Xiangwei — University of Tx Md Anderson Can Ctr
- Study coordinator: Wu, Xiangwei
Related research
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Targeting how platelets and pancreatic cancer talk to each other
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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.