Understanding how immune cells affect treatment resistance in pancreatic cancer

Intratumoral Metabolic Crosstalk Promotes Therapeutic Resistance in Pancreatic Cancer

['FUNDING_R37'] · UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN AT ANN ARBOR · NIH-10885696

This study is looking at how certain immune cells in pancreatic cancer might make it harder for the chemotherapy drug gemcitabine to work, and it hopes to find ways to change these cells to help improve treatment for patients.

Quick facts

Phase['FUNDING_R37']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorUNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN AT ANN ARBOR (nih funded)
Locations1 site (ANN ARBOR, UNITED STATES)
Trial IDNIH-10885696 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this research studies

This research investigates the role of tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) in pancreatic cancer, particularly how they contribute to resistance against the chemotherapy drug gemcitabine. By examining the metabolic interactions between these immune cells and cancer cells, the study aims to uncover mechanisms that prevent effective drug delivery. The researchers will utilize advanced techniques to analyze how these immune cells produce and release deoxycytidine, a substance that hampers the effectiveness of gemcitabine. Additionally, they will explore potential strategies to reprogram TAMs to improve treatment outcomes for patients.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are patients diagnosed with pancreatic cancer who are undergoing treatment with gemcitabine.

Not a fit: Patients with pancreatic cancer who are not receiving gemcitabine or those with advanced disease stages may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatment strategies for pancreatic cancer, enhancing the effectiveness of existing chemotherapy.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown that targeting the tumor microenvironment can enhance the effectiveness of chemotherapy in other cancer types, suggesting potential for success in this approach.

Where this research is happening

ANN ARBOR, 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 Cause, cancer cell, Cancer Etiology, Cancers

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.