Using bacteria to fight pancreatic cancer
Official title: Mechanisms of anti-tumor activity of group A Streptococcus in pancreatic adenocarcinoma
Funded at West Virginia University · NIH-10662559 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is exploring how a certain bacteria can help your immune system fight pancreatic cancer by injecting it directly into tumors, which might boost your body's ability to attack the cancer while protecting healthy cells.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | West Virginia University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Morgantown, United States) |
| Project start | July 15, 2022 |
| Project end | June 30, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2023 |
| Award (this year) | $208,916 |
| NIH project number | 5R21CA267302-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10662559 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are adults diagnosed with pancreatic adenocarcinoma who have not responded to conventional treatments.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with other types of cancer or those who are not diagnosed with pancreatic adenocarcinoma may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how Group A Streptococcus, a type of bacteria, can be used to stimulate the immune system to attack pancreatic adenocarcinoma, a particularly aggressive form of cancer. The approach involves injecting the bacteria directly into tumors, where they can bind to specific proteins found in cancerous tissues, potentially enhancing the immune response while minimizing damage to healthy cells. The study aims to understand the mechanisms behind this interaction and how it can lead to tumor regression, offering a novel immunotherapy strategy for patients with pancreatic cancer.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide a new immunotherapy option for patients with pancreatic cancer, potentially improving survival rates and quality of life.
How similar studies have gone: While the use of bacteria as immunotherapy is a novel approach, preliminary data from similar studies have shown promising results in activating anti-tumor immunity.
Where this research is happening
-
West Virginia University
Morgantown, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Boone, Brian a — West Virginia University
- Study coordinator: Boone, Brian a
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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.