Targeting cancer growth in pancreatic cancer using a new drug delivery system
Official title: ERK-Signaling in Microenvironment of Pancreatic cancer: Development of NovelTherapeutic Hypoxia-Responsive Nano-encapsulated ERK inhibitor
Funded at Kansas City VA Medical Center · NIH-11003658 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing a new way to deliver a cancer-fighting drug specifically for people with pancreatic cancer, aiming to make the treatment more effective and less harmful by using a special carrier that releases the medicine right where it's needed in the tumor.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Kansas City VA Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Kansas City, United States) |
| Project start | January 1, 2024 |
| Project end | December 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| NIH project number | 5I01BX006279-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11003658 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are patients diagnosed with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma, particularly those with advanced disease or those who have not responded well to existing treatments.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with early-stage pancreatic cancer or those with other types of cancer may not receive benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), a type of cancer that is often driven by mutations in the K-Ras gene. The study aims to develop a novel drug delivery system that uses a pH and hypoxia-responsive nanocarrier to enhance the effectiveness of an ERK inhibitor, which is designed to target and suppress cancer cell growth. By encapsulating the drug in a specialized carrier, the researchers hope to improve its bioavailability and reduce toxicity, allowing for sustained release directly into the tumor environment. This approach seeks to disrupt processes that contribute to cancer progression, such as epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition and cancer stemness.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective treatments for pancreatic cancer, potentially improving patient outcomes and survival rates.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promise in using targeted drug delivery systems for cancer treatment, indicating that this approach may be effective.
Where this research is happening
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Kansas City VA Medical Center
Kansas City, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Banerjee, Sushanta K. — Kansas City VA Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Banerjee, Sushanta K.
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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.