Understanding how pancreatic cancer resists treatment targeting KRAS mutations
Official title: Identification of resistance mechanisms to direct KRAS inhibition in pancreatic cancer
Funded at University of Cincinnati · NIH-11078790 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking into why some pancreatic cancer cells don't respond to treatments that target a common mutation, hoping to find ways to make these treatments work better for patients who initially improve but then have their cancer come back.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Cincinnati NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Cincinnati, United States) |
| Project start | June 15, 2023 |
| Project end | May 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $191,864 |
| NIH project number | 5K22CA276632-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11078790 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include patients diagnosed with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma who have KRAS mutations.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with pancreatic cancer who do not have KRAS mutations or those with advanced disease not amenable to targeted therapies may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the mechanisms by which pancreatic cancer cells resist therapies that target KRAS mutations, which are prevalent in this type of cancer. By utilizing cell cultures and mouse models, the study aims to identify genetic factors that contribute to treatment resistance, particularly in patients who initially respond to KRAS inhibitors but later relapse. The findings could lead to the development of more effective combination therapies that enhance patient responses to existing treatments.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatment strategies for pancreatic cancer patients, potentially prolonging their response to therapies targeting KRAS mutations.
How similar studies have gone: While there have been early studies identifying resistance mechanisms in KRAS-targeted therapies, this research aims to provide a more comprehensive understanding, making it a novel approach in the field.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Cincinnati
Cincinnati, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Waters, Andrew M — University of Cincinnati
- Study coordinator: Waters, Andrew M
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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.