Understanding how the immune environment affects pancreatic cancer treatment resistance

The Tumor Immune Microenvironment in Pancreatic Cancer Chemoresistance

NIH-funded research Veterans Health Administration · NIH-11097172

This study is looking at how certain immune cells in pancreatic cancer patients might make it harder for chemotherapy to work, and by analyzing samples from patients, researchers hope to find ways to better understand and overcome this resistance to treatment.

Quick facts

Grant typeNIH-funded research
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionVeterans Health Administration NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Ann Arbor, United States)
Project IDNIH-11097172 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates the role of myeloid cells in the immune microenvironment of pancreatic cancer, particularly how they contribute to resistance against chemotherapy. By collecting fresh biospecimens from patients during diagnostic and treatment procedures, the study aims to create a detailed dataset of single-cell sequenced tumors. This approach will help identify the mechanisms behind chemotherapy resistance and how the immune system is altered by treatment. The ultimate goal is to improve understanding of tumor aggressiveness and resistance to therapy in pancreatic cancer patients.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are patients diagnosed with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma who are undergoing treatment or diagnostic procedures.

Not a fit: Patients with pancreatic cancer who are not receiving treatment or are not eligible for biopsy or surgical resection may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for overcoming chemotherapy resistance in pancreatic cancer, potentially improving patient survival rates.

How similar studies have performed: While the specific approach of this research is novel, previous studies have shown that understanding the tumor microenvironment can lead to breakthroughs in cancer treatment.

Where this research is happening

Ann Arbor, 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 2026-06-14 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.