Understanding how tumor and immune cell interactions affect cancer treatment resistance

Core 1: Tumor and Microenvironment Heterogeneity Core (TMH Core)

NIH-funded research Salk Institute for Biological Studies · NIH-10883575

This study is looking at how cancer cells and immune cells work together in tumors, which can make it harder for treatments to be effective, and it aims to find new ways to create better, personalized therapies for patients battling cancer.

Quick facts

Grant typeP01 program project
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionSalk Institute for Biological Studies NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (La Jolla, UNITED STATES)
Project IDNIH-10883575 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates the complex interactions between tumor cells and immune cells in the tumor microenvironment, focusing on how these interactions contribute to resistance against cancer therapies. By analyzing the diversity and localization of various immune and stromal cells, the research aims to uncover the mechanisms that allow tumors to evade treatment. Utilizing advanced techniques such as single-cell transcriptomics and digital spatial profiling, the project seeks to provide insights that could lead to more effective cancer therapies tailored to individual patients.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are patients diagnosed with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDA) who are undergoing treatment.

Not a fit: Patients with cancers other than pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma may not receive direct benefits from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to the development of more effective cancer treatments that overcome resistance and improve patient outcomes.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown success in understanding tumor microenvironments and their role in treatment resistance, indicating that this approach has potential for meaningful advancements.

Where this research is happening

La Jolla, 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 2026-06-15 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.