Understanding how fat storage affects cancer spread

Lipid storage and catabolism as drivers of metastatic invasion

NIH-funded research Mayo Clinic Rochester · NIH-10931621

This study is looking at how pancreatic cancer cells use stored fats for energy to help them spread, with the hope of finding new ways to stop the cancer from spreading and improve treatment options for patients.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionMayo Clinic Rochester NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Rochester, United States)
Project IDNIH-10931621 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates the role of lipid storage and metabolism in the spread of pancreatic cancer. It aims to uncover the molecular mechanisms that allow cancer cells to use stored fats as energy during their invasive migration. By studying how these lipid droplets are broken down and utilized by tumor cells, the research seeks to identify new therapeutic targets that could help inhibit cancer metastasis. Patients may benefit from insights that could lead to innovative treatments aimed at improving survival rates.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with pancreatic cancer who are experiencing or at risk of metastatic disease.

Not a fit: Patients with non-cancerous conditions or those with cancers not related to lipid metabolism may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapies that significantly reduce cancer metastasis and improve patient survival.

How similar studies have performed: Other research has shown promising results in targeting metabolic pathways in cancer, suggesting potential for success in this novel approach.

Where this research is happening

Rochester, 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.
Conditions Cancer CauseCancer EtiologyCancer GenesCancer TreatmentCancer-Promoting Gene
Last reviewed 2026-06-09 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.