Using higher glucose to help pancreatic cancer respond to chemotherapy
Official title: Leveraging high glucose to prevent pancreatic cancer progression
Funded at Case Western Reserve University · NIH-11455430 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study tests whether increasing glucose around pancreatic tumors can make chemotherapy work better for people with localized pancreatic cancer.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Case Western Reserve University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Cleveland, United States) |
| Project start | September 3, 2026 |
| Project end | August 31, 2031 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $607,539 |
| NIH project number | 1R01CA305024-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11455430 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates are adults with localized pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma who are planned to receive standard neoadjuvant chemotherapy.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with advanced/metastatic disease or those unable to tolerate chemotherapy may not benefit from this approach.
What this research studies
Researchers at Case Western Reserve University are testing a new approach for pancreatic cancer that aims to boost how well chemotherapy works by raising glucose levels near the tumor. The plan includes a phase II clinical trial in patients with localized disease, alongside supporting mouse studies to understand how higher glucose affects tumor biology and treatment responses. The study will look at how glucose modulation interacts with standard chemotherapy and emerging therapies, with careful monitoring for safety and effectiveness. If successful, this work could lead to new strategies to improve outcomes for patients facing pancreatic cancer.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If the approach works, patients could experience better responses to chemotherapy and potentially longer survival.
How similar studies have gone: Prior preclinical work suggests higher peri-tumoral glucose can enhance chemo-response, but human proof is being investigated in this trial.
Where this research is happening
-
Case Western Reserve University
Cleveland, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Winter, Jordan M — Case Western Reserve University
- Study coordinator: Winter, Jordan M
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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.