Understanding Pancreatic Cancer's Surroundings

Stromal and vascular inputs into pancreatic cancer tumor neighborhoods

['FUNDING_R01'] · UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA · NIH-11124052

This project explores how the environment around pancreatic cancer cells helps them grow, looking for new ways to stop their progress.

Quick facts

Phase['FUNDING_R01']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorUNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA (nih funded)
Locations1 site (PHILADELPHIA, UNITED STATES)
Trial IDNIH-11124052 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this research studies

Pancreatic cancer often creates a tough environment around its cells, making it hard for treatments to work. We are looking closely at two parts of this environment: the blood vessels and special cells called fibroblasts. Our goal is to understand why some pancreatic cancers have more blood vessels and how these differences might affect treatment. We also want to learn how cancer cells get the nutrients they need from nearby cells when oxygen is low.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Patients with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) could eventually benefit from the insights gained from this fundamental research.

Not a fit: Patients with other types of cancer or those not affected by the specific stromal and vascular features of PDAC may not directly benefit from this particular research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new treatments that specifically target the unique environment of pancreatic tumors, potentially improving outcomes for patients.

How similar studies have performed: Previous attempts to target the pancreatic cancer environment have not consistently improved survival in all patients, highlighting the need for this novel approach to understand tumor differences.

Where this research is happening

PHILADELPHIA, 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 →

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.