Understanding how low oxygen levels affect pancreatic cancer spread
Official title: Elucidation of hypoxia-induced metastatic reprogramming through the regulation of KDM8 function in pancreatic cancer
Funded at Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences · NIH-11005316 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how low oxygen levels in pancreatic tumors affect cancer cells, especially a gene called KDM8, to find new ways to treat pancreatic cancer and help patients feel better.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Newark, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | January 1, 2024 |
| Project end | December 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $431,948 |
| NIH project number | 5R01CA285774-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11005316 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are patients diagnosed with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma, particularly those with advanced or metastatic disease.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with early-stage pancreatic cancer or those with other types of cancer may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how low oxygen levels in the tumor environment influence the behavior of pancreatic cancer cells, particularly focusing on a gene called KDM8. By studying how KDM8 affects cancer cell differentiation and metastasis, the researchers aim to uncover new vulnerabilities in pancreatic cancer that could lead to better treatment options. The approach involves analyzing gene expression changes in cancer cells under different oxygen conditions, using advanced techniques like chromatin immunoprecipitation. The ultimate goal is to identify potential therapeutic targets that could improve patient outcomes.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that specifically target the aggressive forms of pancreatic cancer, potentially improving survival rates.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promising results in targeting metabolic and environmental factors in cancer treatment, suggesting that this approach could also yield significant insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences
Newark, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Chiou, Shin-Heng — Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences
- Study coordinator: Chiou, Shin-Heng
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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How low oxygen changes the tissue around pancreatic tumors
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How low oxygen changes KDM8 to make pancreatic cancer more aggressive
Researchers study whether low oxygen in pancreatic tumors keeps a protein called KDM8 from stopping cancer cells from becoming a more aggressive, treatment-resistant form for people with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma.
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How low oxygen levels affect the tumor environment in pancreatic cancer
This study looks at how low oxygen levels in pancreatic cancer affect the behavior of cancer cells and nearby healthy cells, with the hope of finding new ways to improve treatment for patients.
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This study is testing a new way to deliver a cancer-fighting drug specifically for people with pancreatic cancer, aiming to make the treatment more effective and less harmful by using a special carrier that releases the medicine right where it's needed in the tumor.
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How low oxygen levels affect fibroblast behavior in pancreatic cancer
This study is looking at how low oxygen levels in pancreatic cancer might change the behavior of certain cells that help tumors grow, which could help us find new ways to treat the disease.
-
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This study is looking at how low oxygen levels in pancreatic cancer affect immune cells that help fight tumors, with the goal of finding better ways to boost immunotherapy treatments for patients.
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.