Targeting cancer stem-like cells in pancreatic cancer
Official title: Targeting stem-like cells and their niche in pancreatic cancer
Funded at Sloan-Kettering Inst Can Research · NIH-10881439 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain cancer cells in pancreatic cancer can survive treatment and help the tumor grow, with the goal of finding new ways to improve care for patients like you.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R37 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Sloan-Kettering Inst Can Research NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New York, United States) |
| Project start | January 1, 2025 |
| Project end | December 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $441,764 |
| NIH project number | 4R37CA244911-06 |
| Project ID | NIH-10881439 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are adults diagnosed with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma, particularly those who have not responded well to standard chemotherapy.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with early-stage pancreatic cancer or those with other types of cancer may not benefit from this specific research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of cancer stem-like cells in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), a type of pancreatic cancer with a very low survival rate. The study aims to understand how these cells survive standard chemotherapy and contribute to tumor progression. By disrupting the specialized microenvironment that supports these stem-like cells, the researchers hope to develop new therapeutic strategies that could improve treatment outcomes for patients. The approach includes analyzing the interactions between different cell populations within tumors to identify potential targets for therapy.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective treatments for pancreatic cancer, potentially improving survival rates and quality of life for patients.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promise in targeting cancer stem-like cells in various cancers, suggesting that this approach could be beneficial for pancreatic cancer as well.
Where this research is happening
-
Sloan-Kettering Inst Can Research
New York, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Tammela, Tuomas — Sloan-Kettering Inst Can Research
- Study coordinator: Tammela, Tuomas
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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.