Understanding how to target pancreatic cancer by blocking a specific protein's signaling

Metabolic flux analysis and PDX models to understand therapeutic vulnerabilities following inhibition of Ref-1 redox signaling in pancreatic cancer

NIH-funded research Indiana University Indianapolis · NIH-11043507

This study is looking at a protein called Ref-1 in pancreatic cancer to see if blocking it can help stop the cancer from growing, and they're testing new drug combinations to find treatments that work better for patients while being gentle on healthy cells.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionIndiana University Indianapolis NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Indianapolis, United States)
Project IDNIH-11043507 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates the role of a protein called Ref-1 in pancreatic cancer, which is known for being particularly hard to treat. The team will explore how inhibiting this protein can disrupt the cancer's metabolism and growth, using advanced models that mimic human tumors. By testing new drug combinations, they aim to find effective treatments that can selectively kill cancer cells while minimizing harm to normal cells. Patients may be screened for their sensitivity to these treatments, which could lead to more personalized therapy options.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are adults diagnosed with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma who may benefit from novel therapeutic approaches.

Not a fit: Patients with non-pancreatic cancers or those who are not eligible for experimental therapies may not receive benefits from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new, more effective treatments for pancreatic cancer, improving survival rates and quality of life for patients.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown promising results with similar approaches targeting redox signaling in cancer, indicating potential for success in this area.

Where this research is happening

Indianapolis, 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 2026-06-13 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.