Understanding how different molecular types of pancreatic cancer affect health disparities
Official title: Research Project 1 PDAC Molecular Subtypes Contribute to Cancer Health Disparities
Funded at Virginia Commonwealth University · NIH-10890850 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how differences in pancreatic cancer tumors among different racial groups, especially in Black patients, can affect treatment success and survival, with the goal of finding new ways to help everyone fight this tough cancer.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Virginia Commonwealth University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Richmond, United States) |
| Project start | July 19, 2023 |
| Project end | June 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $187,428 |
| NIH project number | 5U54CA283762-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10890850 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals diagnosed with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma, particularly those from Black populations who are disproportionately affected by this disease.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with pancreatic cancer who do not belong to the racial groups being studied or those with other types of cancer may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), a severe form of cancer that is particularly aggressive and resistant to treatment. It focuses on how molecular differences in PDAC tumors among various racial groups, especially Black populations, contribute to significant health disparities in incidence and survival rates. By analyzing the unique molecular characteristics of PDAC tumors, the research aims to identify new therapeutic targets that could improve treatment outcomes for affected patients. The study employs advanced techniques like quantitative mass spectrometry to classify PDAC into distinct subtypes and assess their responses to therapies in a racially diverse population.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective treatments for pancreatic cancer that are tailored to the specific needs of different racial groups, ultimately improving survival rates.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has successfully identified molecular differences in other cancers that led to improved treatments, suggesting that similar breakthroughs for PDAC are possible.
Where this research is happening
-
Virginia Commonwealth University
Richmond, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Woods, Nicholas Taylor — Virginia Commonwealth University
- Study coordinator: Woods, Nicholas Taylor
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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-
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-
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-
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This grant explores using approved drugs to block autophagy in KRAS-mutant pancreatic cancer to improve treatment outcomes.
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Reprogramming PDAC stroma by targeting blood clotting in the tumor environment
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-
Understanding paracrine signals in pancreatic cancer to improve drug delivery
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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.