Understanding how certain cancer cells respond to new therapies in pancreatic cancer
Official title: Exploring the molecular mechanisms controlling CDK7i sensitivity in pancreas cancer
Funded at Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center · NIH-10997000 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at why some pancreatic cancer cells respond better to a specific treatment and how a protein called SIRT6 affects this response, with the goal of finding better treatment options for patients with a tough type of pancreatic cancer.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Seattle, United States) |
| Project start | July 1, 2024 |
| Project end | June 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $74,284 |
| NIH project number | 1F32CA284723-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-10997000 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are patients diagnosed with basal pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma who are seeking new treatment options.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with other types of pancreatic cancer or those who are not diagnosed with pancreatic cancer may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the molecular mechanisms that make some pancreatic cancer cells more sensitive to a specific type of therapy targeting CDK7. The study focuses on a subtype of pancreatic cancer known as basal pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma, which has a poorer prognosis. Researchers will explore how a protein called SIRT6 influences the stability of another protein, ATF4, and how this interaction affects the cancer cells' response to treatment. By using mouse models that closely mimic human pancreatic cancer, the research aims to identify effective treatment strategies for patients with this aggressive cancer.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective treatment options for patients with pancreatic cancer, particularly those with the basal subtype.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in targeting similar molecular pathways in other cancers, suggesting potential for success in this approach.
Where this research is happening
-
Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center
Seattle, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Wallace-Povirk, Adrianne — Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center
- Study coordinator: Wallace-Povirk, Adrianne
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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SPORE in Pancreas Cancer at MSK: advancing personalized therapy for pancreatic cancer
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How nerves influence pancreatic cancer progression and immune response
This NIH grant tests whether nerves and nerve signals affect pancreatic cancer growth and the body’s immune response, with findings that could lead to new therapies for people with pancreatic cancer.
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Overcoming barriers in pancreatic cancer therapy
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How low oxygen makes pancreatic cancer cells more aggressive
This project looks at whether low oxygen areas inside pancreatic tumors cause cancer cells to become more aggressive and resist chemotherapy, aiming to help people with pancreatic cancer.
-
How different dietary fats affect pancreatic cancer start and growth
This project looks at whether specific kinds of high-fat diets speed up or slow the start and growth of pancreatic cancer to help people at risk understand dietary effects.
-
Immune signals that make pancreatic cancer more stem‑like and aggressive
Looking at whether an immune signal called IL‑22, working through its receptor IL‑22RA1 and STAT3, makes pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma cells more stem‑like and aggressive to guide future treatments for people with PDAC.
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.