Understanding why pancreatic cancer outcomes differ among racial groups
Official title: Integrated Genomic-Transcriptomic Characterization to Identify Molecular Mechanisms of Disparities in PDAC Outcomes
Funded at University of Alabama at Birmingham · NIH-10889370 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at why African Americans with pancreatic cancer often have different outcomes than others, by examining the genes and changes in their tumors, and it hopes to find ways to improve treatment for everyone affected by this disease.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Alabama at Birmingham NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Birmingham, United States) |
| Project start | June 1, 2024 |
| Project end | May 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $362,050 |
| NIH project number | 1R21CA267124-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-10889370 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include patients diagnosed with pancreatic adenocarcinoma, especially those who identify as African American.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with pancreatic cancer who do not belong to the racial groups being studied may not receive direct benefits from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the genetic and molecular differences that contribute to the disparities in outcomes for patients with pancreatic adenocarcinoma (PDAC), particularly focusing on African Americans. By analyzing genomic and transcriptomic data, the study aims to identify specific mutations and alterations in tumor driver genes that may influence cancer progression and patient survival. The goal is to uncover the underlying mechanisms that lead to worse outcomes in certain populations, which could inform the development of targeted therapies and interventions. Patients may be involved in providing samples or data to help elucidate these disparities.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatment strategies and outcomes for patients with pancreatic cancer, particularly among African American populations.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research in other cancers has shown that understanding genomic and transcriptomic differences can explain racial health disparities, suggesting potential for success in this novel approach for pancreatic cancer.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Alabama at Birmingham
Birmingham, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Dudeja, Vikas — University of Alabama at Birmingham
- Study coordinator: Dudeja, Vikas
Related research
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-
Understanding paracrine signals in pancreatic cancer to improve drug delivery
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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.