Targeting immune cells to improve cancer treatment

Exploiting Integrin Signaling to Overcome Resistance to Immunotherapy

NIH-funded research Washington University · NIH-10741812

This study is exploring a new way to make immunotherapy work better for people with pancreatic cancer by using a special molecule to help the immune system fight tumors more effectively.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionWashington University NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Saint Louis, United States)
Project IDNIH-10741812 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates how to enhance the effectiveness of immunotherapy in treating pancreatic cancer by focusing on the immune cells that suppress the body's ability to fight tumors. The team is developing a small molecule that targets specific immune cells, aiming to reprogram them to support anti-tumor activity while preventing the recruitment of additional suppressive cells. By combining this approach with existing immunotherapy techniques, the goal is to improve patient outcomes and reduce tumor growth.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are patients diagnosed with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma who have not responded to standard immunotherapy treatments.

Not a fit: Patients with other types of cancer or those who have not been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer may not benefit from this research.

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 performed: Previous research has shown promise in targeting immune cells to enhance cancer treatment, indicating that this approach could lead to significant advancements in therapy.

Where this research is happening

Saint Louis, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Conditions Cancersneoplasm/cancerDisorder
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.