Understanding how low oxygen levels affect pancreatic cancer behavior
Official title: Investigating hypoxia as a determinant of malignant fates in pancreas cancer
Funded at Sloan-Kettering Inst Can Research · NIH-11041175 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how low oxygen levels in pancreatic tumors might make some cancer cells tougher and resistant to treatment, with the goal of finding better ways to help patients with pancreatic cancer.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Sloan-Kettering Inst Can Research NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New York, United States) |
| Project start | April 1, 2024 |
| Project end | March 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $695,122 |
| NIH project number | 5R01CA290400-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11041175 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, particularly those experiencing aggressive disease progression.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with non-cancerous conditions or those with early-stage pancreatic cancer that has not progressed may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of low oxygen levels, known as hypoxia, in the aggressive behavior of pancreatic cancer cells. By examining how these conditions influence the molecular diversity of cancer cells within tumors, the study aims to uncover why some cancer cells become resistant to standard chemotherapy. The researchers will analyze gene expression and metabolic adaptations in cancer cells located in hypoxic regions of tumors, which could lead to new therapeutic strategies. This work is crucial as it seeks to improve treatment outcomes for patients with pancreatic cancer, a disease that has seen little advancement in effective therapies.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective treatments for pancreatic cancer, potentially improving survival rates and quality of life for patients.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that targeting the unique characteristics of cancer cells in hypoxic environments can lead to breakthroughs in treatment, suggesting this approach has potential.
Where this research is happening
-
Sloan-Kettering Inst Can Research
New York, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Tammela, Tuomas — Sloan-Kettering Inst Can Research
- Study coordinator: Tammela, Tuomas
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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.