Understanding how certain immune cells affect cancer spread and treatment response

Elucidating the Role of Tregs in Cancer Metastasis and T Cell Dysfunction

NIH-funded research University of Minnesota · NIH-10954706

This study is looking at how certain immune cells, called CD8 T cells, change in people with pancreatic cancer who aren't responding well to treatment, to help find better ways to fight the disease.

Quick facts

Grant typeFellowship grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Minnesota NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Minneapolis, United States)
Project IDNIH-10954706 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates the role of specific immune cells, known as CD8 T cells, in the progression and treatment resistance of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDA). The study aims to uncover why these immune cells lose their ability to fight cancer effectively, particularly in patients who have undergone immunotherapy. By analyzing new cancer cell lines derived from tumors that resist treatment, researchers hope to identify mechanisms of immune evasion and metastasis. This could lead to the development of more effective therapies for patients with PDA.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are patients diagnosed with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma, particularly those who have experienced treatment resistance.

Not a fit: Patients with early-stage pancreatic cancer who have not yet undergone treatment may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatment strategies for pancreatic cancer, potentially enhancing survival rates.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promise in understanding immune cell dynamics in cancer, but this specific approach focusing on PDA and treatment resistance is relatively novel.

Where this research is happening

Minneapolis, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.