Using a special virus to improve treatment for advanced pancreatic cancer
Official title: Advanced Oncolytic Adenovirus Enabling Systemic Therapy of PDAC
Funded at University of Minnesota · NIH-10987059 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is exploring a new way to treat pancreatic cancer using specially designed viruses that can target and destroy cancer cells, aiming to offer better options for patients with advanced disease who have few treatments available.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Minnesota NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Minneapolis, United States) |
| Project start | December 12, 2022 |
| Project end | November 30, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $354,563 |
| NIH project number | 5R01CA276480-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-10987059 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are patients diagnosed with advanced pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma who are not eligible for surgical intervention.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with early-stage pancreatic cancer or those who have already undergone extensive treatment may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing a new treatment approach for pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), a highly aggressive form of cancer with a low survival rate. The study aims to utilize oncolytic adenoviruses, which are viruses engineered to selectively target and kill cancer cells, while overcoming challenges associated with delivering these viruses systemically. By modifying the adenovirus to enhance its ability to reach and affect tumor cells, the research seeks to provide a more effective treatment option for patients with advanced PDAC who currently have limited options.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective systemic therapies for patients with advanced pancreatic cancer, potentially improving survival rates and quality of life.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in using oncolytic viruses for cancer treatment, indicating that this approach could be a viable option for PDAC.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Minnesota
Minneapolis, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Yamamoto, Masato — University of Minnesota
- Study coordinator: Yamamoto, Masato
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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-
Neoantigen vaccines in pancreatic cancer: overcoming resistance to improve immune responses
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-
Targeting autophagy to treat KRAS-mutant pancreatic cancer
This grant explores using approved drugs to block autophagy in KRAS-mutant pancreatic cancer to improve treatment outcomes.
-
Reprogramming PDAC stroma by targeting blood clotting in the tumor environment
A cancer research grant aimed at turning the tough, fibrous pancreatic cancer environment into one that helps treatments work better and supports the body’s immune response.
-
Understanding paracrine signals in pancreatic cancer to improve drug delivery
A patient-focused look at how the tumor’s signaling networks affect treatment delivery in pancreatic cancer and how targeting these networks could help therapies reach tumors more effectively.
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.