Understanding how the environment around pancreatic cancer tumors affects their growth
Official title: Stromal and vascular inputs into pancreatic cancer tumor neighborhoods
Funded at University of Pennsylvania · NIH-11060611 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how the environment around pancreatic cancer tumors, including blood vessels and certain cells, affects their growth, with the hope of finding new ways to treat patients with this type of cancer.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pennsylvania NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Philadelphia, United States) |
| Project start | July 15, 2023 |
| Project end | June 30, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $68,500 |
| NIH project number | 3R01CA276512-02S1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11060611 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma, particularly those with varying tumor vascularity.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with other types of cancer or those whose pancreatic cancer has already progressed to advanced stages may not benefit from this research.
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 contribute to tumor growth. By analyzing human data and mouse models, the study aims to identify specific characteristics of the TME that could be targeted for therapy. The researchers believe that understanding the differences in vascularity and lipid supply in tumors can lead to more effective treatments for patients with PDAC.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapies that improve survival rates for patients with pancreatic cancer.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that targeting the tumor microenvironment can lead to improved treatment outcomes, suggesting potential success for this innovative approach.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Pennsylvania
Philadelphia, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Stanger, Ben Z — University of Pennsylvania
- Study coordinator: Stanger, Ben Z
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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.