Targeting barriers to treat metastatic pancreatic cancer
Official title: Targeting Intrinsic and Extrinsic Barriers to Treat Metastatic Pancreatic Cancer
Funded at University of Rochester · NIH-11381037 · Data updated 2026-11-12
Aims to combine local radiotherapy with a targeted immunotherapy delivered directly into pancreatic tumors to overcome treatment resistance and stop metastasis in patients with pancreatic cancer.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Rochester NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Rochester, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2025 |
| Project end | July 31, 2030 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $639,098 |
| NIH project number | 5R01CA295861-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11381037 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma, especially those with metastatic disease or treatment-resistant tumors, may be eligible for future trials if findings translate clinically.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with non-metastatic PDAC or those unsuitable for intratumoral therapy may not benefit from this approach.
What this research studies
This grant explores why pancreatic cancer spreads and resists treatment by addressing both tumor-intrinsic changes and the surrounding immune environment. Researchers will test a new approach that delivers an immunotherapy directly into the tumor using a specially designed lipid nanoparticle carrying an immune-boosting IL-12 message, aiming to enhance the body’s anti-tumor response. By focusing therapy inside the tumor, they hope to maximize effects where it matters most while limiting systemic side effects. The project uses preclinical models and translational steps to determine if this intratumoral strategy can overcome barriers created by EMT and an immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment. If successful, the work could pave the way for new treatments that halt metastasis and improve survival in metastatic PDAC.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could lead to more effective, localized therapy for metastatic pancreatic cancer, potentially slowing spread and improving outcomes.
How similar studies have gone: Previous work shows combining local immunotherapy with radiotherapy can boost anti-tumor responses, but this exact IL-12/LNP intratumoral strategy is novel and under investigation.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Rochester
Rochester, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Gerber, Scott Andrew — University of Rochester
- Study coordinator: Gerber, Scott Andrew
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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.