Understanding how certain immune cells affect cancer spread and treatment response
Official title: Elucidating the Role of Tregs in Cancer Metastasis and T Cell Dysfunction
Funded at University of Minnesota · NIH-10954706 · Data updated 2026-11-12
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 type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Minnesota NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Minneapolis, United States) |
| Project start | July 1, 2023 |
| Project end | June 30, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $33,897 |
| NIH project number | 5F31CA275289-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10954706 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are patients diagnosed with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma, particularly those who have experienced treatment resistance.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with early-stage pancreatic cancer who have not yet undergone treatment may not benefit from this research.
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.
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 gone: 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
-
University of Minnesota
Minneapolis, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Schmiechen, Zoe — University of Minnesota
- Study coordinator: Schmiechen, Zoe
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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.