Targeting tumor survival signals to improve radiation response in pancreatic cancer
Official title: Targeting Tumor Intrinsic and Extrinsic Survival Signaling to Overcome Resistance to Radiation Therapy in Pancreatic Cancer.
Funded at Washington University · NIH-11365872 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This grant tests a new approach to make pancreatic cancer tumors more sensitive to radiation, aiming to help patients with locally advanced disease become eligible for surgery or experience better disease control.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Washington University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Saint Louis, United States) |
| Project start | September 14, 2026 |
| Project end | August 31, 2031 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $603,499 |
| NIH project number | 1R01CA303033-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11365872 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
People with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma, especially those with locally advanced disease where radiation is part of the plan, may be eligible.
✕Less likely to help
Patients whose tumors do not rely on FAK signaling or who cannot tolerate combined therapy may not benefit from this approach.
What this research studies
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma is a deadly cancer with few curative options. The project targets the tumor microenvironment and a signaling pathway called FAK that helps cancer cells survive and resist radiation. By combining FAK inhibition with radiation in preclinical models, researchers hope to improve tumor shrinkage and boost treatment effectiveness. The work builds on promising early results and may translate toward better strategies for patients with pancreatic cancer.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the approach could enhance the effectiveness of radiation therapy and increase the number of patients who can undergo curative surgery or achieve longer disease control.
How similar studies have gone: Prior studies show that targeting FAK can reduce tumor support from surrounding tissue and improve responses when combined with other therapies; early results with RT plus FAK inhibition are promising but still exploratory.
Where this research is happening
-
Washington University
Saint Louis, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Denardo, David G — Washington University
- Study coordinator: Denardo, David G
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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.