Understanding how pancreatic cancer invades nerves
Elucidating cancer-intrinsic mechanisms of perineural invasion in pancreatic cancer
This study is looking at how pancreatic cancer cells spread to nearby nerves, which could help us find new ways to treat this tough cancer and improve care for patients like you.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Career grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Massachusetts General Hospital NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10876938 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates the mechanisms by which pancreatic cancer cells invade nearby nerves, a process known as perineural invasion. By using advanced techniques like CRISPR activation and a unique organoid transplant model, the study aims to identify specific genes involved in this interaction. The goal is to create a detailed map of how pancreatic tumors interact with nerves, which could lead to new treatment strategies. Patients may benefit from insights that could improve therapies targeting this aggressive cancer.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma who are experiencing or at risk for perineural invasion.
Not a fit: Patients with other types of cancer or those without pancreatic cancer may not receive any benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapeutic approaches that specifically target the mechanisms of nerve invasion in pancreatic cancer.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promise in understanding tumor-nerve interactions, but this approach using spatially-resolved transcriptomics and CRISPR technology is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
Boston, United States
- Massachusetts General Hospital — Boston, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Hwang, William L — Massachusetts General Hospital
- Study coordinator: Hwang, William L
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 below.