Understanding how STAT3 affects tumor cell behavior in pancreatic cancer

STAT3 is a Critical Regulator of Tumor Cell Plasticity

['FUNDING_R01'] · STATE UNIVERSITY NEW YORK STONY BROOK · NIH-10653850

This study is looking at a protein called STAT3 to see how it affects pancreatic cancer cells, especially how its absence might make tumors grow faster and resist treatment, which could help find new ways to fight this disease.

Quick facts

Phase['FUNDING_R01']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorSTATE UNIVERSITY NEW YORK STONY BROOK (nih funded)
Locations1 site (STONY BROOK, UNITED STATES)
Trial IDNIH-10653850 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this research studies

This research investigates the role of a protein called STAT3 in pancreatic cancer, particularly how it influences the identity and behavior of tumor cells. By examining both KRAS-driven tumors and those that can grow without KRAS, the study aims to uncover how the loss of STAT3 can lead to more aggressive tumor characteristics, such as increased metastasis and drug resistance. The researchers use experimental models to explore these mechanisms, which could reveal new vulnerabilities in pancreatic cancer that may be targeted for treatment.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are patients diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, particularly those with KRAS mutations or those exhibiting drug resistance.

Not a fit: Patients with non-cancerous conditions or those with cancers not driven by KRAS may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatment strategies that improve outcomes for patients with pancreatic cancer.

How similar studies have performed: Other research has shown promising results in targeting tumor cell plasticity and drug resistance in various cancers, suggesting that this approach may also be effective in pancreatic cancer.

Where this research is happening

STONY BROOK, UNITED STATES

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.

View on NIH RePORTER →

Conditions: Cancers, neoplasm/cancer, Epithelial cancer, Disease

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.