Understanding how cells communicate in pancreatic cancer
Official title: Investigating Cellular Communication in the Tumor Microenvironment in Pancreatic Cancer
Funded at Henry Ford Health System · NIH-10853171 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain cells in pancreatic cancer work together and communicate, which could help us find new ways to treat the disease and improve patient care.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Henry Ford Health System NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Detroit, United States) |
| Project start | July 1, 2021 |
| Project end | August 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $74,892 |
| NIH project number | 3R00CA263154-04S1 |
| Project ID | NIH-10853171 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC).
✕Less likely to help
Patients with other types of cancer or those without pancreatic cancer may not receive any benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the complex interactions between different cell types in the tumor microenvironment of pancreatic cancer. It focuses on how fibroblasts and endothelial cells communicate and how this affects tumor growth and the immune response. By using advanced co-culture techniques, the study aims to uncover the roles of specific signaling pathways, particularly SLIT-ROBO signaling, in regulating these interactions. Patients may benefit from insights that could lead to new therapeutic strategies targeting these cellular communications.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that improve outcomes for patients with pancreatic cancer.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding cellular communication in cancer, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Henry Ford Health System
Detroit, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Steele, Nina G — Henry Ford Health System
- Study coordinator: Steele, Nina G
Related research
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-
Targeting how platelets and pancreatic cancer talk to each other
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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.