Understanding how pancreatic cancer cells change and resist treatment

Assessing the Transcriptional and Signaling Basis of Heterogeneity in the Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition in Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma

['FUNDING_FELLOWSHIP'] · UNIVERSITY OF VIRGINIA · NIH-10906025

This study is looking at how different cancer cells in pancreatic cancer can behave differently, which might help explain why some cells are tougher to treat than others, and it's designed for people with pancreatic cancer and their families who want to understand more about their condition.

Quick facts

Phase['FUNDING_FELLOWSHIP']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorUNIVERSITY OF VIRGINIA (nih funded)
Locations1 site (CHARLOTTESVILLE, UNITED STATES)
Trial IDNIH-10906025 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this research studies

This research investigates the process known as epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), which is a type of pancreatic cancer. The study aims to understand how different cancer cells within tumors can exhibit varying characteristics that affect their behavior and response to treatments. By examining the signaling pathways and transcriptional differences that lead to this heterogeneity, researchers hope to identify why some cells are more resistant to therapies than others. The approach involves using advanced quantitative systems biology methods to analyze these processes at a cellular level.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are patients diagnosed with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma who are undergoing treatment.

Not a fit: Patients with other types of cancers or those who are 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 the specific mechanisms that allow cancer cells to resist therapy.

How similar studies have performed: Other research has shown promising results in understanding cancer cell behavior through similar approaches, indicating potential for success in this area.

Where this research is happening

CHARLOTTESVILLE, 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 →

Conditions: Cancers, Candidate Disease Gene

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.