Targeting nutrient scavenging to treat pancreatic cancer
Official title: Mechanistic examination and inhibitor targeting of nutrient scavenging for the treatment of pancreatic cancer
Funded at Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill · NIH-10902593 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how pancreatic cancer cells use certain processes to get the nutrients they need to grow quickly, and it aims to find new treatments that can block these processes to help improve outcomes for patients with pancreatic cancer.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Chapel Hill, United States) |
| Project start | July 1, 2024 |
| Project end | June 30, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $40,064 |
| NIH project number | 1F31CA284869-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-10902593 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 KRAS mutations.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with other types of cancer or those without KRAS-driven pancreatic cancer may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how pancreatic cancer cells, particularly those driven by the KRAS gene, utilize nutrient scavenging processes like macropinocytosis and autophagy to support their rapid growth. By understanding these metabolic pathways, the research aims to develop targeted therapies that inhibit these processes, potentially improving treatment outcomes for patients with pancreatic cancer. The approach includes using inhibitors like chloroquine to disrupt these nutrient supply mechanisms, with the goal of enhancing the effectiveness of existing treatments. Patients may be monitored for changes in their cancer's response to these targeted therapies.
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 metabolic pathways in cancer treatment, suggesting that this approach could be effective, although it may also involve novel aspects.
Where this research is happening
-
Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill
Chapel Hill, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Robb, Ryan — Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill
- Study coordinator: Robb, Ryan
Related research
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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.