Understanding how immune activation changes the environment around pancreatic cancer cells
Official title: Dissecting how activated immunity reshapes the stromal TME of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma
Funded at Washington University · NIH-11067055 · Data updated 2026-11-12
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
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Washington University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Saint Louis, United States) |
| Project start | April 1, 2025 |
| Project end | March 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $36,046 |
| NIH project number | 1F30CA298121-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11067055 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are patients diagnosed with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma who may be eligible for immunotherapy.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with other types of cancer or those who do not have pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma may not benefit from this research.
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.
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 gone: 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
-
Washington University
Saint Louis, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Sells, Blake — Washington University
- Study coordinator: Sells, Blake
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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.