Tumor-targeted delivery of radio/chemotherapy for pancreatic cancer
Official title: Tumor-targeted delivery of radio/chemotherapy in pancreatic cancer.
Funded at Tezcat Biosciences, INC. · NIH-11400228 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A new treatment approach combines a targeted drug delivery system with a radioactive payload to attack pancreatic cancer cells that have mutant KRAS.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Tezcat Biosciences, INC. NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New Haven, United States) |
| Project start | August 18, 2026 |
| Project end | July 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $399,855 |
| NIH project number | 1R41CA306696-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11400228 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates are patients with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma driven by mutant KRAS who are eligible for experimental targeted therapies and imaging studies.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without PDAC or without mutant KRAS tumors may not benefit from this specific approach.
What this research studies
Tezcat Biosciences is developing a novel drug delivery technology that uses a macropinocytosis-activated carrier to bring a cytotoxic payload directly into hard-to-treat pancreatic cancer cells. The project plans to pair an anti-cancer drug with a radioactive element to demonstrate proof-of-concept in PDAC models, aiming to overcome poor drug delivery and resistance. This work includes preclinical testing in models that mimic human pancreatic tumors and will explore imaging techniques to monitor delivery and response. If successful, the approach could lead to more effective, targeted therapies for patients with mutant KRAS-driven pancreatic cancer.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could improve effectiveness and reduce side effects by delivering chemotherapy and radiation directly to pancreatic cancer cells.
How similar studies have gone: Prior preclinical work with similar targeted delivery strategies has shown anti-tumor activity in pancreatic cancer models, suggesting potential but remains to be validated in humans.
Where this research is happening
-
Tezcat Biosciences, INC.
New Haven, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Ramirez, Craig Patrick — Tezcat Biosciences, INC.
- Study coordinator: Ramirez, Craig Patrick
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Combination therapy with a T-cell engager and chemotherapy for pancreatic cancer
A new treatment approach combines a T-cell engaging antibody with standard chemotherapy to help treat pancreatic cancer, aiming to slow tumor growth and improve outcomes.
-
MRI-guided chemotherapy for borderline-resectable pancreatic cancer
This project uses special MRI scans to help pick the best pre-surgery chemotherapy for people whose pancreatic tumor is touching nearby vessels but might be removable after treatment.
-
A targeted therapy plan using endoscopic heat treatment plus chemotherapy for pancreatic cancer
A patient-focused plan tests using a special endoscopic heat treatment together with chemotherapy to treat pancreatic cancer.
-
Combining Chemotherapy with Targeted Ablation for Pancreatic Cancer
This research is testing a new way to treat pancreatic cancer by combining standard chemotherapy with a targeted heat treatment called radiofrequency ablation.
-
Understanding how cancer metabolism affects chemotherapy resistance in pancreatic cancer
This study is looking into why pancreatic cancer doesn't respond well to regular chemotherapy and hopes to find new ways to make these treatments work better for patients like you.
-
Combining chemotherapy with a new treatment method for pancreatic cancer
This study is looking at how well combining regular chemotherapy with a special treatment called endoscopic ultrasound-guided radiofrequency ablation (EUS-RFA) works for people with pancreatic cancer, hoping to boost their immune response and improve their chances of recovery.
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.