Understanding how the environment around pancreatic cancer tumors affects their growth

Stromal and vascular inputs into pancreatic cancer tumor neighborhoods

['FUNDING_R01'] · UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA · NIH-10886118

This study is looking at how the environment around pancreatic cancer tumors, including blood vessels and certain supportive cells, affects the growth of the cancer, with the goal of finding new ways to treat it.

Quick facts

Phase['FUNDING_R01']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorUNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA (nih funded)
Locations1 site (PHILADELPHIA, UNITED STATES)
Trial IDNIH-10886118 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this research studies

This research investigates the tumor microenvironment (TME) of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), focusing on how the surrounding blood vessels and cancer-associated fibroblasts influence tumor growth and survival. By analyzing human datasets and mouse models, the researchers aim to identify specific characteristics of the TME that could be targeted for therapy. The study explores the relationship between tumor vascularity and the effectiveness of angiogenesis inhibitors, as well as the dependency of tumor cells on lipids from neighboring cells for survival in low-nutrient conditions.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma, particularly those with specific tumor characteristics that may respond to targeted therapies.

Not a fit: Patients with other types of cancer or those whose pancreatic tumors do not exhibit the characteristics being studied may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

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

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown that targeting components of the tumor microenvironment can be beneficial, but this specific approach to pancreatic cancer is innovative and not yet widely tested.

Where this research is happening

PHILADELPHIA, 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 →

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.