Tumor-Selective Bacterial Therapy to Rebuild the Immune Attack on Pancreatic Cancer
Official title: Tumor-Selective Bacterial Therapy to Reverse PDAC Immunosuppression
Funded at University of Missouri-Columbia · NIH-11391856 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A new bacterial therapy is being tested to target pancreatic cancer, help break down its protective environment, and boost the body’s own immune response.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Missouri-Columbia NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Columbia, United States) |
| Project start | August 15, 2026 |
| Project end | July 31, 2031 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $633,763 |
| NIH project number | 1R01CA314284-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11391856 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Patients with pancreatic cancer who fit the study’s specific inclusion criteria and are considered candidates for experimental therapies.
✕Less likely to help
Individuals whose tumors do not effectively respond to bacterial targeting or who experience intolerable toxicity may not benefit.
What this research studies
This project tests iSTORM, a specially engineered Salmonella strain that homes in on pancreatic tumors and modulates immune activity while helping to reduce barriers created by the tumor’s fibrous stroma. In preclinical work, iSTORM has shown the ability to colonize tumors, directly kill cancer cells, and make remaining cancer cells more visible to the immune system. The approach combines tumor-targeting, stromal remodeling, and immune reprogramming to improve anti-tumor immunity, with plans to address persistent immune-suppressive cells. The study aims to advance toward therapies that can work alongside or enhance current treatments for pancreatic cancer.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this therapy could enhance immune attack on pancreatic tumors and improve responses to treatment.
How similar studies have gone: Preclinical data suggest that similar immuno-modulating bacterial approaches can alter the tumor environment and boost anti-tumor immunity, though clinical translation is ongoing.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Missouri-Columbia
Columbia, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: De Figueiredo, Paul — University of Missouri-Columbia
- Study coordinator: De Figueiredo, Paul
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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.