Understanding how pancreatic cancer cells change and resist treatment

Regulation and targeting of tumor cell states and plasticity in pancreatic cancer

NIH-funded research Dana-Farber Cancer Inst · NIH-10898723

This study is looking at how pancreatic cancer cells can change and become resistant to treatments, with the hope of finding new ways to help patients by understanding these changes better.

Quick facts

Grant typeCareer grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionDana-Farber Cancer Inst NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Boston, United States)
Project IDNIH-10898723 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates the mechanisms that allow pancreatic cancer cells to change their characteristics and resist treatment. By studying how specific signaling pathways, like TGF-β, influence these changes in lab models, the research aims to identify new treatment strategies tailored to different cell states. The project will utilize advanced techniques such as single-cell RNA sequencing and CRISPR screening to uncover vulnerabilities in these cancer cells. Ultimately, the goal is to improve therapeutic options for patients with pancreatic cancer.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are patients diagnosed with metastatic pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma who are seeking new treatment options.

Not a fit: Patients with early-stage pancreatic cancer or those not diagnosed with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective treatments for pancreatic cancer by targeting specific vulnerabilities in tumor cells.

How similar studies have performed: Other research has shown promise in targeting tumor cell plasticity and signaling pathways in various cancers, suggesting that this approach could be effective in pancreatic cancer as well.

Where this research is happening

Boston, 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.
Conditions Basal Cell Cancer
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 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.