NIH-funded research R01 grant

Understanding how immune cells influence pancreatic cancer development

Official title: Mechanisms of myeloid cell driven pancreatic plasticity and carcinogenesis

Funded at University of Michigan at Ann Arbor · NIH-11009903 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study is looking at how certain immune cells in the body might help or hurt the growth of pancreatic cancer, using special mouse models that act like human cases, to better understand how these cells interact with the cancer and the surrounding tissue.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Michigan at Ann Arbor
NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Ann Arbor, United States)
Project startFebruary 1, 2023
Project endJanuary 31, 2028
Funding year2025
Award (this year)$640,945
NIH project number5R01CA268426-03
Project IDNIH-11009903 on NIH RePORTER

Who could benefit from this research

Could help

Ideal candidates for this research are individuals at high risk for pancreatic cancer, including those with genetic predispositions or early-stage pancreatic lesions.

Less likely to help

Patients with advanced pancreatic cancer who are not responding to current treatments may not benefit from this research.

What this research studies

This research investigates the role of myeloid cells, a type of immune cell, in the development and progression of pancreatic cancer. By using genetically engineered mouse models that mimic human pancreatic cancer, the study aims to explore how these immune cells interact with cancer cells and the surrounding tissue environment. The researchers will examine how myeloid cells can both promote cancer growth and support tissue repair, providing insights into the complex dynamics of pancreatic cancer progression.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapeutic strategies that target myeloid cells to improve treatment outcomes for pancreatic cancer patients.

How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that targeting immune cell interactions can lead to significant advancements in cancer treatment, indicating potential success for this approach.

Where this research is happening

  • University of Michigan at Ann Arbor
    Ann Arbor, United States
    Active

Researchers

  • Principal investigator: Pasca Di Magliano, Marina — University of Michigan at Ann Arbor
  • Study coordinator: Pasca Di Magliano, Marina

Related research

Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.

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.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 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.