Targeting cell changes in pancreatic cancer to improve treatment outcomes
Official title: Optimal control models of epithelial-mesenchymal transition for the design of pancreas cancer combination therapy
Funded at University of Virginia · NIH-10670987 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how pancreatic cancer cells adapt to treatments and become tougher to kill, and it's trying to find the best combinations of drugs to help make those treatments work better for patients like you.
Quick facts
| Grant type | U01 cooperative agreement |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Virginia NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Charlottesville, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2019 |
| Project end | July 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2023 |
| Award (this year) | $452,330 |
| NIH project number | 5U01CA243007-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-10670987 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma who are seeking innovative treatment options.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with other types of cancer or those who are not diagnosed with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how pancreatic cancer cells change in response to treatment, making them more resistant to therapies. By focusing on the process known as epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), the study aims to identify specific drug combinations and schedules that can effectively counteract these changes. The approach involves using advanced systems biology techniques to analyze cell signaling pathways and develop a strategy for combination therapies that enhance treatment effectiveness while reducing side effects. Patients may benefit from more effective treatment options tailored to their specific cancer characteristics.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatment strategies that significantly enhance survival rates for patients with pancreatic cancer.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in targeting EMT in other cancers, suggesting that this approach may also be effective in pancreatic cancer.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Virginia
Charlottesville, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Lazzara, Matthew J — University of Virginia
- Study coordinator: Lazzara, Matthew J
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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SPORE in Pancreas Cancer at MSK: advancing personalized therapy for pancreatic cancer
A large, multi-year program at Memorial Sloan Kettering aims to tailor pancreatic cancer treatment to each patient’s biology to improve survival and outcomes.
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How nerves influence pancreatic cancer progression and immune response
This NIH grant tests whether nerves and nerve signals affect pancreatic cancer growth and the body’s immune response, with findings that could lead to new therapies for people with pancreatic cancer.
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Overcoming barriers in pancreatic cancer therapy
A cancer research project that explores how pancreatic tumors resist treatment and how to improve therapies by studying tumor cells and their surrounding environment in animal models.
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How low oxygen makes pancreatic cancer cells more aggressive
This project looks at whether low oxygen areas inside pancreatic tumors cause cancer cells to become more aggressive and resist chemotherapy, aiming to help people with pancreatic cancer.
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How different dietary fats affect pancreatic cancer start and growth
This project looks at whether specific kinds of high-fat diets speed up or slow the start and growth of pancreatic cancer to help people at risk understand dietary effects.
-
Immune signals that make pancreatic cancer more stem‑like and aggressive
Looking at whether an immune signal called IL‑22, working through its receptor IL‑22RA1 and STAT3, makes pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma cells more stem‑like and aggressive to guide future treatments for people with PDAC.
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.