Using CD11b-Agonists to Make Pancreatic Cancer Treatable with Immunotherapy
Official title: Project 1: Employing CD11b-Agonists to Render PDAC Responsive to Immunotherapy
Funded at Washington University · NIH-10916342 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is exploring a new way to boost the effectiveness of immunotherapy for pancreatic cancer by using a special drug called GB1275 to help your immune cells work better, and it’s for patients who are looking for improved treatment options.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Washington University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Saint Louis, United States) |
| Project start | August 28, 2023 |
| Project end | June 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $362,331 |
| NIH project number | 5P50CA272213-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10916342 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are patients diagnosed with metastatic pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma who have not responded to standard immunotherapy.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with non-metastatic pancreatic cancer or those who have already had extensive treatment may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates a new approach to enhance the effectiveness of immunotherapy for pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), a type of cancer that has shown resistance to current treatments. The team aims to reprogram immune cells within the tumor environment using a novel drug called GB1275, which targets CD11b. By combining this treatment with existing therapies like Gemcitabine, Abraxane, and PD-1 blockade, the researchers hope to improve patient outcomes. The study will also identify biomarkers that can predict how well patients respond to this new treatment.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly improve treatment options and outcomes for patients with pancreatic cancer.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results with similar approaches in reprogramming immune cells to enhance cancer treatment, indicating potential for success in this novel application.
Where this research is happening
-
Washington University
Saint Louis, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Denardo, David G — Washington University
- Study coordinator: Denardo, David G
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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CD11b-activating drug to make pancreatic cancer respond to immunotherapy
A study to see if a CD11b-activating drug (GB1275) can help pancreatic cancer patients respond better to immunotherapy when combined with standard chemotherapy and PD-1 blockers.
-
Nanoparticles that soften pancreatic cancer scar tissue to boost chemo and immune therapy
This project uses tiny nanoparticles carrying RNA to change the scar-like tissue around pancreatic tumors so chemotherapy and immune treatments can reach and kill cancer cells more effectively for people with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma.
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Using a new drug to help pancreatic cancer respond to immunotherapy
This project gives a drug called GB1275 together with chemotherapy and a PD-1 immunotherapy to people with metastatic pancreatic cancer to boost the immune attack on tumors.
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How pancreatic tumor genes shape immune cells and response to macrophage therapies
This project looks at whether differences in tumor genes change the immune environment in pancreatic cancer and whether treatments that target macrophages might help certain patients.
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Improving pancreatic cancer treatment by normalizing tumor environment with nanoparticles
This study is looking at a new way to help people with pancreatic cancer by using tiny particles to deliver special treatments that can make the tumor environment easier for other therapies to work, with the hope of improving how well chemotherapy and immunotherapy can fight the cancer.
-
How tumor genetics affect immune responses in pancreatic cancer treatment
This study is looking at how the genes of pancreatic cancer tumors affect the immune system around them, which could help us understand why some treatments don’t work and lead to better therapies for patients battling this tough cancer.
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.