Targeting the Tn sugar marker in pancreatic cancer
Targeting Disease Specific Tn Antigen in Pancreatic Cancer
['FUNDING_R01'] · UNIVERSITY OF LOUISVILLE · NIH-11250153
A new antibody treatment is being developed to find and help destroy pancreatic cancer cells that carry a sugar marker called Tn.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | UNIVERSITY OF LOUISVILLE (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (LOUISVILLE, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11250153 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
This project focuses on pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) that often displays abnormal sugar markers called Tn and Sialyl-Tn on tumor proteins. Researchers are using lab and animal models to see whether an engineered antibody (aRemab6) can bind those Tn-marked cancer cells and trigger immune killing and complement attack. They will study how Tn changes cancer cell signaling (including EGFR and PI3K/AKT pathways) and how antibody treatment affects tumor growth, spread, and survival. The goal is to generate data that could support future testing in patients whose tumors carry these sugar markers.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma whose tumors test positive for Tn or Sialyl-Tn antigens, especially those with advanced or metastatic disease, would be the most relevant candidates.
Not a fit: Patients whose tumors do not express the Tn/STn markers, people with other cancer types, or those needing immediate standard chemotherapy may not receive direct benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to a targeted antibody therapy that slows tumor growth, reduces metastasis, and improves outcomes for some people with pancreatic cancer.
How similar studies have performed: Targeting cancer-specific sugar markers with antibodies is a relatively new approach with encouraging laboratory and animal results but limited evidence so far in people.
Where this research is happening
LOUISVILLE, UNITED STATES
- UNIVERSITY OF LOUISVILLE — LOUISVILLE, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: RADHAKRISHNAN, PRAKASH — UNIVERSITY OF LOUISVILLE
- Study coordinator: RADHAKRISHNAN, PRAKASH
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.