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-10894901 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain cells in pancreatic cancer work together and affect the immune system, with the goal of finding new ways to improve treatment for patients with this type of cancer.
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) | $349,999 |
| NIH project number | 5R00CA263154-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-10894901 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are patients diagnosed with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma who are seeking new treatment options.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with other types of cancer or those who do not have pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the complex interactions between different cell types in the tumor microenvironment of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDA). It focuses on how cancer-associated fibroblasts and endothelial cells communicate and influence immune responses and tumor behavior. By examining the role of Hedgehog signaling in these interactions, the research aims to identify new therapeutic strategies that could enhance treatment effectiveness for patients with PDA. The approach includes both laboratory studies and analysis of cellular signaling pathways.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective treatments for pancreatic cancer, potentially improving survival rates.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promise in targeting cellular communication pathways in cancer, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights and advancements.
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
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Microbial Dysbiosis and Its Role in Pancreatic Cancer
A doctor-researcher team at Northwestern University is studying how gut bacteria influence pancreatic cancer and its response to immunotherapy to find new ways to help patients.
-
Targeting aberrant enhancer landscapes in pancreatic cancer
A patient-facing look at a project that aims to understand how pancreatic cancer changes its cell identity and what that means for treatment.
-
Exosome-based microRNA biomarkers for early, non-invasive detection of pancreatic cancer
A study to develop a blood test that uses tiny RNA signals in exosomes to detect pancreatic cancer early, aiming to help people at risk or with early disease.
-
Exosome-based microRNA biomarkers for early detection of pancreatic cancer
A patient-friendly look at a study using tiny blood-based RNA markers inside exosomes to catch pancreatic cancer early without invasive procedures.
-
Programmable implanted living materials to fight pancreatic cancer
A patient-facing program will explore a safe, implantable living material that delivers sequential immunotherapies directly to pancreatic tumors to help fight cancer.
-
Targeting how platelets and pancreatic cancer talk to each other
A study exploring whether blocking the interaction between platelets and pancreatic cancer cells could slow cancer growth and spread and help identify new biomarkers.
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.