Understanding how immune regulation affects dormant cancer cells in pancreatic cancer
Official title: Administrative Supplement: Immune Regulation of Dormancy at the Metastatic Site
Funded at State University New York Stony Brook · NIH-11235434 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how some cancer cells from pancreatic cancer can hide from the immune system after surgery and later grow back, and it aims to find out how a stress hormone might help these cells survive, which could lead to new ways to stop cancer from spreading in patients.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | State University New York Stony Brook NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Stony Brook, United States) |
| Project start | November 21, 2024 |
| Project end | September 30, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $3,000 |
| NIH project number | 3F99CA284292-02S1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11235434 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are patients diagnosed with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma who have undergone surgery and currently show no detectable metastases.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with other types of cancer or those who have already developed metastases may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how certain cancer cells, which can remain dormant after surgery for pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), evade the immune system and later cause metastases. By using a novel mouse model, the study aims to uncover the mechanisms that allow these dormant cells to proliferate and escape immune detection. The researchers will explore the role of glucocorticoids, a stress hormone that is elevated in PDAC patients, in promoting the growth of these dormant cancer cells. This work could provide insights into new therapeutic strategies to prevent metastasis in patients with PDAC.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that prevent the recurrence of pancreatic cancer by targeting dormant cancer cells.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that understanding immune interactions with cancer cells can lead to significant advancements in cancer treatment, suggesting potential success for this approach.
Where this research is happening
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State University New York Stony Brook
Stony Brook, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Han, Xiao — State University New York Stony Brook
- Study coordinator: Han, Xiao
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.