Understanding the role of the tumor environment in pancreatic cancer
Official title: PASSCODE (Pancreatic Adenocarcinoma Stromal Reprograming ConSortium COordination, Data Management and Education)
Funded at University of Tx Md Anderson Can Ctr · NIH-10915479 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain supportive cells in the environment around pancreatic cancer tumors affect the growth of the disease, with the hope that this research will lead to better treatments for patients.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Tx Md Anderson Can Ctr NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Houston, United States) |
| Project start | September 16, 2022 |
| Project end | August 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $972,000 |
| NIH project number | 5U24CA274274-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-10915479 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with other types of cancer or those without a diagnosis of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) and its unique tumor environment, which includes various supportive cells and structures. The project aims to investigate how these stromal components, particularly cancer-associated fibroblasts, influence the development and progression of pancreatic cancer. By coordinating efforts among multiple research sites, the initiative seeks to enhance collaboration and data sharing, ultimately leading to better insights into the disease. Patients may benefit from improved understanding and potential new treatment strategies derived from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapeutic approaches that target the tumor microenvironment in pancreatic cancer.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the tumor microenvironment in other cancers, suggesting potential for success in this novel approach.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Tx Md Anderson Can Ctr
Houston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Maitra, Anirban — University of Tx Md Anderson Can Ctr
- Study coordinator: Maitra, Anirban
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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PASSCODE: Coordinating and Sharing PDAC stromal research data
A networked effort at NYU School of Medicine aims to study how the pancreatic cancer stroma shapes tumor growth and patient outcomes, by coordinating researchers, sharing data, and educating the field.
-
Oncostatin M Receptor in Pancreatic Cancer
Aims to understand how a molecule called Oncostatin M and its receptor affect pancreatic cancer to find new ways to help patients.
-
Total Neoadjuvant Therapy for Borderline or Locally Advanced Pancreatic Cancer
A multi-part treatment approach tests giving all chemotherapy and targeted radiotherapy before surgery to help patients with tough-to-remove pancreatic cancer become eligible for curative surgery.
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Low-dose, motion-aware MRI to study pancreatic cancer
A new MRI method using low-dose contrast and motion-resolved imaging is being explored to better characterize pancreatic cancer in patients.
-
SOAT1 as a target in pancreatic cancer
Researchers are studying a specific enzyme, SOAT1, to see if blocking it can slow down or stop pancreatic cancer progression in models that mimic human disease.
-
Turning inflammatory scar cells in the pancreas into helpers to improve treatment response
This project will try to change inflammatory, scar-forming cells around pancreatic tumors so treatments and the immune system can work better for people with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma.
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.