Understanding how pancreatic cancer spreads through its environment
Official title: Defining pro-metastatic drivers in the pancreatic cancer tumor microenvironment
Funded at University of Tx Md Anderson Can Ctr · NIH-10980175 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how changes in the TP53 gene might affect pancreatic cancer and its ability to spread, with the goal of finding new treatments that could help patients by stopping the cancer from moving to other parts of the body.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Tx Md Anderson Can Ctr NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Houston, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2024 |
| Project end | August 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $453,304 |
| NIH project number | 1R01CA269651-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-10980175 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are patients diagnosed with pancreatic adenocarcinoma, particularly those with mutations in the TP53 gene.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with early-stage pancreatic cancer or those without TP53 mutations may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of the TP53 gene mutation in pancreatic cancer and how it influences the tumor microenvironment, which is crucial for the cancer's spread. The team aims to identify specific interactions between mutant p53 and other proteins that promote metastasis, particularly focusing on how these interactions affect surrounding cells. By targeting these interactions, the researchers hope to develop new therapies that can disrupt the cancer's ability to spread and improve patient outcomes.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that prevent the spread of pancreatic cancer, potentially improving survival rates for patients.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in targeting genetic mutations in cancer, suggesting that this approach could lead to significant advancements in treatment.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Tx Md Anderson Can Ctr
Houston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Kim, Michael Paul — University of Tx Md Anderson Can Ctr
- Study coordinator: Kim, Michael Paul
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Microbial Dysbiosis and Its Role in Pancreatic Cancer
A doctor-researcher team at Northwestern University is studying how gut bacteria influence pancreatic cancer and its response to immunotherapy to find new ways to help patients.
-
Targeting aberrant enhancer landscapes in pancreatic cancer
A patient-facing look at a project that aims to understand how pancreatic cancer changes its cell identity and what that means for treatment.
-
Exosome-based microRNA biomarkers for early, non-invasive detection of pancreatic cancer
A study to develop a blood test that uses tiny RNA signals in exosomes to detect pancreatic cancer early, aiming to help people at risk or with early disease.
-
Exosome-based microRNA biomarkers for early detection of pancreatic cancer
A patient-friendly look at a study using tiny blood-based RNA markers inside exosomes to catch pancreatic cancer early without invasive procedures.
-
Programmable implanted living materials to fight pancreatic cancer
A patient-facing program will explore a safe, implantable living material that delivers sequential immunotherapies directly to pancreatic tumors to help fight cancer.
-
Targeting how platelets and pancreatic cancer talk to each other
A study exploring whether blocking the interaction between platelets and pancreatic cancer cells could slow cancer growth and spread and help identify new biomarkers.
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.