Using electrical pulses to enhance cancer immunotherapy for pancreatic cancer

Development of irreversible electroporation-based rational combinations to potentiate the activity of cancer immunotherapy against pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma

NIH-funded research University of Tx Md Anderson Can Ctr · NIH-11017042

This study is looking at how using electrical pulses to destroy pancreatic cancer cells, along with immune therapy, might help make the cancer more responsive to treatment and improve survival for patients with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Tx Md Anderson Can Ctr NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Houston, United States)
Project IDNIH-11017042 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates how irreversible electroporation (IRE), a technique that uses electrical pulses to destroy tumor cells, can be combined with immunotherapy to improve treatment outcomes for pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). The approach aims to convert PDAC tumors, which typically do not respond well to immune therapies, into more responsive 'hot' tumors. By analyzing immune cell behavior and tumor metabolism, the researchers hope to identify ways to enhance the effectiveness of this combination therapy, potentially leading to better survival rates for patients.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are patients diagnosed with advanced pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma who have not responded adequately to standard treatments.

Not a fit: Patients with early-stage pancreatic cancer or those who have already undergone extensive treatment may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly improve treatment options and survival rates for patients with pancreatic cancer.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown promising results using similar approaches to enhance immunotherapy effectiveness in other cancers, suggesting potential for success in this novel application.

Where this research is happening

Houston, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Conditions advanced diseaseanti-cancer immunotherapy
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.