Understanding how the immune system affects pancreatic cancer growth

Role of type 2 immune response in pancreatic cancer tumorigenesis

['FUNDING_R01'] · ROSWELL PARK CANCER INSTITUTE CORP · NIH-11124600

This project explores how certain immune cells and signals in the body contribute to pancreatic cancer growth and resistance to treatment.

Quick facts

Phase['FUNDING_R01']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorROSWELL PARK CANCER INSTITUTE CORP (nih funded)
Locations1 site (BUFFALO, UNITED STATES)
Trial IDNIH-11124600 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this research studies

Pancreatic cancer is a very aggressive disease that is hard to treat, partly because of the unique environment around the tumor. This environment contains special immune cells and signals that help the cancer grow and survive, and current immunotherapies have not been very effective. Our team is looking into how specific immune signals, called cytokines, from certain immune cells (TH2 cells) interact with cancer cells to support tumor development. We've found that blocking these interactions can significantly slow down tumor growth in lab models. We are also studying a powerful inflammatory signal, IL33, released by pancreatic cancer cells, which attracts these immune cells and is influenced by bacteria and fungi within the tumor.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Patients with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) who have not responded well to current treatments might be ideal candidates for future therapies developed from this research.

Not a fit: Patients without pancreatic cancer or those whose cancer does not involve the specific immune pathways being studied may not directly benefit from this particular line of research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new ways to treat pancreatic cancer by targeting the immune environment around the tumor, potentially improving patient survival.

How similar studies have performed: Previous preclinical work by this team has shown that blocking these immune signals can reduce tumor growth, suggesting a promising new direction for pancreatic cancer treatment.

Where this research is happening

BUFFALO, 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: Allergic 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.