Understanding immune signals that drive pancreatic cancer growth
Official title: Project 2: Immune signals promoting pancreas cancer stemness and progression
Funded at Stanford University · NIH-10927300 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how immune cells and cancer cells work together in pancreatic cancer to understand what helps the cancer grow and come back, with the goal of finding new ways to improve treatment for patients.
Quick facts
| Grant type | P01 program project |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Stanford University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Stanford, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2021 |
| Project end | July 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $401,880 |
| NIH project number | 5P01CA244114-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-10927300 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 exhibiting high levels of IL-22RA1 expression.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with other types of cancer or those without pancreatic cancer may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how immune cells interact with cancer cells and surrounding tissues in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), a particularly aggressive form of cancer. The team aims to uncover the mechanisms by which these interactions promote cancer development and recurrence, focusing on specific signaling pathways like IL-22 and its receptor IL-22RA1. By studying these immune signals, the researchers hope to identify new therapeutic targets that could improve treatment outcomes for patients with PDAC.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to the development of more effective therapies for pancreatic cancer, potentially improving survival rates.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in targeting immune signaling pathways in cancer treatment, suggesting that this approach may yield significant advancements.
Where this research is happening
-
Stanford University
Stanford, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Artandi, Steven E — Stanford University
- Study coordinator: Artandi, Steven E
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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SPORE in Pancreas Cancer at MSK: advancing personalized therapy for pancreatic cancer
A large, multi-year program at Memorial Sloan Kettering aims to tailor pancreatic cancer treatment to each patient’s biology to improve survival and outcomes.
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How nerves influence pancreatic cancer progression and immune response
This NIH grant tests whether nerves and nerve signals affect pancreatic cancer growth and the body’s immune response, with findings that could lead to new therapies for people with pancreatic cancer.
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Overcoming barriers in pancreatic cancer therapy
A cancer research project that explores how pancreatic tumors resist treatment and how to improve therapies by studying tumor cells and their surrounding environment in animal models.
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How low oxygen makes pancreatic cancer cells more aggressive
This project looks at whether low oxygen areas inside pancreatic tumors cause cancer cells to become more aggressive and resist chemotherapy, aiming to help people with pancreatic cancer.
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How different dietary fats affect pancreatic cancer start and growth
This project looks at whether specific kinds of high-fat diets speed up or slow the start and growth of pancreatic cancer to help people at risk understand dietary effects.
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Immune signals that make pancreatic cancer more stem‑like and aggressive
Looking at whether an immune signal called IL‑22, working through its receptor IL‑22RA1 and STAT3, makes pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma cells more stem‑like and aggressive to guide future treatments for people with PDAC.
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.