Understanding RB activation in pancreatic cancer and its surroundings
Impact of RB activation on the pancreatic cancer epigenome and tumor microenvironment
This research explores how activating a protein called RB might help overcome treatment resistance in pancreatic cancer.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Roswell Park Cancer Institute Corp NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Buffalo, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11123502 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Pancreatic cancer is very challenging to treat, and current therapies often don't work well because tumors find ways to keep growing. This project looks at a key genetic feature of pancreatic tumors, called KRAS, and how another pathway involving the RB protein can be deregulated, allowing cancer cells to continue dividing. By activating RB, researchers hope to limit cancer growth and change how the tumor interacts with its environment, potentially leading to more effective treatments. We are using patient-derived models to understand these complex changes.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This foundational research is not directly recruiting patients but aims to benefit future patients with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma, especially those whose tumors have become resistant to current treatments.
Not a fit: Patients whose cancer does not involve the specific genetic pathways or tumor characteristics being studied may not directly benefit from this particular line of research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new treatment strategies that make pancreatic cancer therapies more effective by targeting fundamental ways cancer cells grow and interact with their surroundings.
How similar studies have performed: Previous clinical trials for pancreatic cancer have often failed, highlighting the need for novel approaches like this one that target key genetic features and the tumor microenvironment.
Where this research is happening
Buffalo, United States
- Roswell Park Cancer Institute Corp — Buffalo, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Witkiewicz, Agnieszka — Roswell Park Cancer Institute Corp
- Study coordinator: Witkiewicz, Agnieszka
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 below.