Understanding how immune regulation affects dormant cancer cells in pancreatic cancer

Administrative Supplement: Immune Regulation of Dormancy at the Metastatic Site

['FUNDING_OTHER'] · STATE UNIVERSITY NEW YORK STONY BROOK · NIH-11235434

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

Phase['FUNDING_OTHER']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorSTATE UNIVERSITY NEW YORK STONY BROOK (nih funded)
Locations1 site (STONY BROOK, UNITED STATES)
Trial IDNIH-11235434 on ClinicalTrials.gov

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.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are patients diagnosed with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma who have undergone surgery and currently show no detectable metastases.

Not a fit: Patients with other types of cancer or those who have already developed metastases may not benefit from this research.

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 performed: 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

STONY BROOK, 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 →

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.