Using a new treatment to boost the immune response against pancreatic cancer
Official title: Irreversible Electroporation (IRE) Combined with CD40 Agonism as In Situ Vaccine Therapy for Pancreatic Cancer
Funded at University of California, San Diego · NIH-10931663 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at a new way to treat locally advanced pancreatic cancer by using a special technique that destroys cancer cells and helps your immune system fight the cancer better, so if you're dealing with this type of cancer, this research might offer you a promising option.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California, San Diego NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (La Jolla, United States) |
| Project start | September 19, 2023 |
| Project end | August 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $564,526 |
| NIH project number | 5R01CA282439-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10931663 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are patients diagnosed with locally advanced pancreatic cancer who are not eligible for surgery.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with metastatic pancreatic cancer or those who have already undergone extensive treatment may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates a novel approach to treating locally advanced pancreatic cancer by combining irreversible electroporation (IRE) with a CD40 agonist. IRE is a technique that destroys cancer cells while also releasing tumor antigens, which can help the immune system recognize and attack the cancer. The study aims to enhance this immune response by using a CD40 antibody that stimulates immune cells to better target the tumor. Patients receiving this treatment may benefit from improved local control of their cancer and reduced spread to other organs.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to a more effective treatment for patients with locally advanced pancreatic cancer, potentially improving survival rates.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results with similar immunotherapy approaches, suggesting potential for success in this novel combination treatment.
Where this research is happening
-
University of California, San Diego
La Jolla, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: White, Rebekah — University of California, San Diego
- Study coordinator: White, Rebekah
Related research
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Exosome-based microRNA biomarkers for early detection of pancreatic cancer
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-
Targeting how platelets and pancreatic cancer talk to each other
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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.