Understanding how the environment around pancreatic cancer cells affects their response to treatment

Targeting nutrient microenvironment imprinted therapy resistance in pancreatic cancer

NIH-funded research University of Chicago · NIH-11056178

This study is looking into why pancreatic cancer cells often don't respond well to chemotherapy by recreating the environment around the tumors, so we can find ways to make treatments work better for patients like you.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Chicago NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Chicago, United States)
Project IDNIH-11056178 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates the reasons behind the resistance of pancreatic cancer cells to chemotherapy by examining the tumor microenvironment (TME). Researchers will recreate the conditions found in pancreatic tumors to study how these factors influence the effectiveness of cancer treatments. By isolating and analyzing the nutrients available in the TME, the team aims to identify specific elements that may help improve treatment responses. This approach could lead to more effective therapies tailored to the unique conditions of pancreatic cancer.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are patients diagnosed with pancreatic adenocarcinoma who are undergoing or considering chemotherapy.

Not a fit: Patients with non-pancreatic cancers or those who are not receiving chemotherapy may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatment strategies for pancreatic cancer patients, enhancing their response to chemotherapy.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown that understanding the tumor microenvironment can significantly impact treatment outcomes in various cancers, suggesting this approach may yield valuable insights.

Where this research is happening

Chicago, 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.
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 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.