Understanding Cell Aging in Pancreatic Cancer
Stomal Senescence Regulator of Tumor Immunity and Progression
This research explores how aging cells within pancreatic tumors affect the body's immune response and how the cancer grows, hoping to find new ways to treat this difficult disease.
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 ID | NIH-11128498 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Pancreatic cancer is very challenging to treat, partly because of a tough environment around the tumor that blocks treatments and immune cells. We are looking closely at specific cells called fibroblasts within this tumor environment, which can either help or hinder the cancer's growth. Our goal is to understand if and how the aging process of these fibroblasts influences the tumor's ability to resist treatment and spread. By uncovering these mechanisms, we hope to identify new targets for more effective therapies.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This foundational research is relevant for patients with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma, as it seeks to understand the disease's fundamental biology to inform future treatments.
Not a fit: Patients would not directly participate in or receive immediate clinical benefit from this basic science research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new treatment strategies that overcome pancreatic cancer's resistance to current therapies by targeting the tumor's surrounding environment.
How similar studies have performed: This work builds upon emerging ideas about the complex roles of different cell types and their aging processes within the tumor environment, an area of active and evolving investigation.
Where this research is happening
Saint Louis, United States
- Washington University — Saint Louis, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Denardo, David G — Washington University
- Study coordinator: Denardo, David G
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.