Understanding how pancreatic cancer spreads through lymph nodes
Official title: Mechanisms of Lymphatic Metastasis in Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma
Funded at University of Pennsylvania · NIH-11065840 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how pancreatic cancer spreads to lymph nodes and how certain immune cells there might help the cancer survive, with the goal of finding ways to boost the body's natural defenses against the disease.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pennsylvania NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Philadelphia, United States) |
| Project start | April 1, 2025 |
| Project end | May 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $37,226 |
| NIH project number | 1F30CA281080-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11065840 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are patients diagnosed with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma, particularly those with lymphatic involvement.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with other types of cancer or those without lymphatic metastasis may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the mechanisms by which pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma spreads to lymph nodes, which are crucial for immune responses against tumors. The study focuses on the role of regulatory T cells in the lymph nodes and how they may suppress the immune response to cancer cells. By using murine cancer models, the researchers aim to identify intrinsic factors within lymph nodes that affect tumor cell survival and immune interactions. This could lead to new insights into how to enhance anti-tumor immunity in patients.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved strategies for preventing or treating lymphatic metastasis in pancreatic cancer patients.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that understanding immune interactions in lymph nodes can lead to significant advancements in cancer treatment, suggesting this approach has potential for success.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Pennsylvania
Philadelphia, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Kahn, Benjamin Michael — University of Pennsylvania
- Study coordinator: Kahn, Benjamin Michael
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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.