Understanding how immune activation changes the environment around pancreatic cancer cells

Dissecting how activated immunity reshapes the stromal TME of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma

['FUNDING_FELLOWSHIP'] · WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY · NIH-11067055

This study is looking at how the surroundings of pancreatic cancer cells affect the immune system and aims to find ways to make current treatments work better for patients by understanding the role of certain cells in that environment.

Quick facts

Phase['FUNDING_FELLOWSHIP']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorWASHINGTON UNIVERSITY (nih funded)
Locations1 site (SAINT LOUIS, UNITED STATES)
Trial IDNIH-11067055 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this research studies

This research investigates the role of the tumor microenvironment in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) and how activating the immune system can reshape this environment. The study focuses on different types of cancer-associated fibroblasts and their impact on anti-tumor immunity. By examining how these cells interact with immune responses, the research aims to uncover why current immunotherapies are ineffective for PDAC and how they might be improved. Patients may benefit from insights that could lead to more effective treatments in the future.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are patients diagnosed with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma who may be eligible for immunotherapy.

Not a fit: Patients with other types of cancer or those who do not have pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to the development of effective immunotherapies for pancreatic cancer, improving survival rates for patients.

How similar studies have performed: While immunotherapy has shown success in other cancer types, the specific approach being investigated for pancreatic cancer is novel and has not yet been proven effective.

Where this research is happening

SAINT LOUIS, 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.

View on NIH RePORTER →

Conditions: cancer immunity, cancer immunology, cancer microenvironment

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 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.