Understanding how epigenetics affects pancreatic cancer subtypes
Official title: Exploring the epigenetic control of pancreatic cancer subtypes
Funded at Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center · NIH-10796686 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain changes in genes might affect the behavior of a tough type of pancreatic cancer, with the goal of finding new ways to treat it better, especially for patients with the aggressive form of the disease.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R37 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) | $382,473 |
| NIH project number | 4R37CA241472-07 |
| Project ID | NIH-10796686 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma, particularly those with the quasi-mesenchymal subtype.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with other types of pancreatic cancer or those whose disease is not classified as quasi-mesenchymal may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of epigenetic mechanisms in determining the characteristics of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDA), particularly focusing on the aggressive quasi-mesenchymal subtype. By analyzing how certain epigenetic regulators influence tumor behavior, the study aims to identify new therapeutic targets that could improve treatment outcomes. The approach includes examining the effects of a specific histone deacetylase, SIRT6, which has shown promise as a tumor suppressor in preliminary models. Patients may benefit from insights that could lead to more effective therapies tailored to their specific cancer subtype.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to the development of targeted therapies that significantly improve survival rates for patients with aggressive pancreatic cancer.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promise in targeting epigenetic mechanisms in cancer, suggesting that this approach could yield significant advancements in treatment.
Where this research is happening
-
Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center
Seattle, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Kugel, Sita — Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center
- Study coordinator: Kugel, Sita
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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.