Targeting how platelets and pancreatic cancer talk to each other
Official title: Targeting CLEC-2/podoplanin as a therapeutic strategy for pancreatic cancer
Funded at North Dakota State University · NIH-11519127 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A study exploring whether blocking the interaction between platelets and pancreatic cancer cells could slow cancer growth and spread and help identify new biomarkers.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | North Dakota State University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Fargo, United States) |
| Project start | March 1, 2016 |
| Project end | June 30, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $168,607 |
| NIH project number | 5P20GM109024-10 |
| Project ID | NIH-11519127 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Patients with pancreatic cancer or at high risk may benefit from future translation of these findings into therapies or diagnostic tools.
✕Less likely to help
Individuals without pancreatic cancer or related blood‑cancer interactions may not directly benefit from this project.
What this research studies
This project looks at how cancer cells in the pancreas communicate with platelets in the blood and whether interrupting that communication can slow tumor growth and metastasis. Researchers will examine a key molecule, podoplanin, and other platelet-related signals to understand their role in pancreatic cancer progression. The work includes analyses that could point to new blood-based biomarkers and potential therapeutic approaches, with a focus on translating findings to patients in the future. The grant supports preclinical studies and collaborations at North Dakota State University, aiming to move promising ideas closer to clinical testing.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could lead to new treatments that limit pancreatic cancer progression and provide biomarkers for earlier detection.
How similar studies have gone: Prior research shows platelets influence cancer growth and metastasis, but translating this into pancreatic cancer therapies remains under development.
Where this research is happening
-
North Dakota State University
Fargo, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Liverani, Elisabetta — North Dakota State University
- Study coordinator: Liverani, Elisabetta
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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.