Targeting pancreatic cancer by disrupting cell signals
Metabolic flux analysis and PDX models to understand therapeutic vulnerabilities following inhibition of Ref-1 redox signaling in pancreatic cancer
This project looks for new ways to treat pancreatic cancer by blocking a specific protein and combining it with other medicines to stop tumor growth.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Indiana University Indianapolis NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Indianapolis, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11144549 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Pancreatic cancer is very hard to treat and often spreads, making new approaches desperately needed. This project focuses on a protein called Ref-1, which helps cancer cells grow and resist drugs. Researchers are exploring how blocking Ref-1 affects the cancer's energy use and growth, especially in low-oxygen conditions. They are also testing new Ref-1 blocking drugs and looking for drug combinations that work well together to kill cancer cells. The goal is to find better treatments that specifically target the cancer's survival strategies.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Patients with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) who might respond to treatments targeting the Ref-1 protein could be ideal candidates.
Not a fit: Patients whose pancreatic cancer does not rely on the Ref-1 protein for growth or survival may not benefit from this specific approach.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new and more effective treatment options for patients with pancreatic cancer, especially those resistant to current therapies.
How similar studies have performed: A first-generation drug targeting Ref-1 has shown promising results in early human trials, with some patients experiencing disease stabilization.
Where this research is happening
Indianapolis, United States
- Indiana University Indianapolis — Indianapolis, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Kelley, Mark R. — Indiana University Indianapolis
- Study coordinator: Kelley, Mark R.
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 below.