Understanding how pancreatic cancer spreads
Official title: Investigating the metastatic drive in pancreas cancer
Funded at University of Nebraska Medical Center · NIH-10757574 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking into how pancreatic cancer spreads aggressively, using special mouse models that act like human cases, to find ways to create better treatments that could help patients live longer and healthier lives.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Nebraska Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Omaha, United States) |
| Project start | August 9, 2018 |
| Project end | June 30, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2022 |
| Award (this year) | $327,136 |
| NIH project number | 7R01CA223483-07 |
| Project ID | NIH-10757574 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, particularly those with aggressive or metastatic forms of the disease.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with non-cancerous conditions or those with early-stage pancreatic cancer that does not exhibit aggressive characteristics may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the mechanisms behind the aggressive spread of pancreatic cancer, which significantly impacts patient survival. By using genetically engineered mouse models that mimic human disease, the study aims to identify how certain factors influence tumor growth and metastasis. The goal is to improve treatment strategies by tailoring systemic and local therapies based on the specific characteristics of the cancer. Patients may benefit from insights that could lead to more effective therapies and improved outcomes.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective treatment strategies for pancreatic cancer, potentially prolonging survival for patients.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promise in understanding cancer metastasis through similar approaches, indicating that this line of investigation could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Nebraska Medical Center
Omaha, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Hingorani, Sunil R — University of Nebraska Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Hingorani, Sunil R
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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SPORE in Pancreas Cancer at MSK: advancing personalized therapy for pancreatic cancer
A large, multi-year program at Memorial Sloan Kettering aims to tailor pancreatic cancer treatment to each patient’s biology to improve survival and outcomes.
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How nerves influence pancreatic cancer progression and immune response
This NIH grant tests whether nerves and nerve signals affect pancreatic cancer growth and the body’s immune response, with findings that could lead to new therapies for people with pancreatic cancer.
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Overcoming barriers in pancreatic cancer therapy
A cancer research project that explores how pancreatic tumors resist treatment and how to improve therapies by studying tumor cells and their surrounding environment in animal models.
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How low oxygen makes pancreatic cancer cells more aggressive
This project looks at whether low oxygen areas inside pancreatic tumors cause cancer cells to become more aggressive and resist chemotherapy, aiming to help people with pancreatic cancer.
-
How different dietary fats affect pancreatic cancer start and growth
This project looks at whether specific kinds of high-fat diets speed up or slow the start and growth of pancreatic cancer to help people at risk understand dietary effects.
-
Immune signals that make pancreatic cancer more stem‑like and aggressive
Looking at whether an immune signal called IL‑22, working through its receptor IL‑22RA1 and STAT3, makes pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma cells more stem‑like and aggressive to guide future treatments for people with PDAC.
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.