TREM2+ macrophages and liver metastases in pancreatic cancer
Official title: The role and spatiotemporal dynamics of TREM2+ macrophages in liver metastases of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma
Funded at Washington University · NIH-11452084 · Data updated 2026-11-12
Researchers are studying immune cells in liver metastases from pancreatic cancer to understand how they influence the cancer’s spread and more effective treatments.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Career 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) | $216,001 |
| NIH project number | 1K08CA308780-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11452084 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates are patients with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma and liver metastases who may contribute tissue samples or be eligible for future related studies.
✕Less likely to help
This project focuses on a specific research area and may not directly benefit all pancreatic cancer patients, especially those without liver metastases.
What this research studies
This program supports Dr. Liang-I Kang’s transition to an independent physician-scientist role focused on the tumor microenvironment in liver metastases from pancreatic cancer. The plan combines advanced training in tumor immunology and transcriptomics with a hands-on research project under a renowned mentor at Washington University in St. Louis. The goal is to reveal how TREM2+ macrophages shape metastasis and to generate insights that could lead to new therapies for a disease with very low survival. The work will involve analyzing tumor samples, applying cutting-edge sequencing, and integrating biological data to map immune interactions in the liver niche.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the research could identify targets to disrupt metastatic growth in pancreatic cancer and guide the development of new immunotherapies.
How similar studies have gone: Previous work in PDAC immunology and liver metastasis has shown promise in understanding the tumor microenvironment, supporting potential impact of this line of research.
Where this research is happening
-
Washington University
Saint Louis, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Kang, Liang-I — Washington University
- Study coordinator: Kang, Liang-I
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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.