Understanding how to target pancreatic cancer by blocking a specific protein's signaling
Official title: Metabolic flux analysis and PDX models to understand therapeutic vulnerabilities following inhibition of Ref-1 redox signaling in pancreatic cancer
Funded at Indiana University Indianapolis · NIH-10895579 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at a way to block a protein that might help treat pancreatic cancer by figuring out how this affects cancer cells, with the hope of finding better drug combinations that can target and kill the tumor cells, which could lead to new treatment options for patients.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Indiana University Indianapolis NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Indianapolis, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2023 |
| Project end | July 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $443,001 |
| NIH project number | 5R01CA282478-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10895579 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 who have not responded well to existing therapies.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with other types of cancer or those who are not diagnosed with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma may not receive any benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the potential of inhibiting a protein called Ref-1 to treat pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), a type of cancer known for its resistance to therapy. By analyzing how this inhibition affects cancer cell metabolism and survival, the study aims to identify effective drug combinations that can selectively kill tumor cells. The approach includes using patient-derived xenograft (PDX) models to simulate human tumors and assess treatment responses. Patients may benefit from insights into new therapeutic strategies that could improve outcomes for this challenging cancer.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective treatments for pancreatic cancer, potentially improving survival rates and quality of life for patients.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have shown promising results with similar approaches targeting redox signaling in cancer, indicating potential for success in this novel application.
Where this research is happening
-
Indiana University Indianapolis
Indianapolis, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Kelley, Mark R. — Indiana University Indianapolis
- Study coordinator: Kelley, Mark R.
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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.