Using weakened bacteria to break up scar-like tissue in pancreatic cancer
Microbial- based targeting of major extracellular matrix components for improved therapy of pancreatic cancer
This project uses weakened Salmonella bacteria that make enzymes to break down the fibrous barrier around pancreatic tumors so existing treatments can get in and work better.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Beckman Research Institute/city of Hope NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Duarte, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11172506 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
The team engineers attenuated Salmonella to produce hyaluronidase and collagenase that target the hyaluronan and collagen making up the dense tumor stroma in pancreatic cancer. They will test these bacterial agents in clinically relevant models of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma to see if degrading the extracellular matrix improves drug penetration and immune-cell access. The approach focuses on tumor-targeting delivery to reduce systemic side effects seen with previous stromal-targeting methods. Positive results would support combining these agents with chemotherapy or immunotherapy to better treat primary tumors and metastases.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), particularly tumors with dense fibrotic stroma, would be the ideal candidates for related clinical trials or future participation.
Not a fit: Patients without pancreatic cancer or whose tumors lack prominent fibrous stroma are unlikely to benefit from this specific strategy.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could allow standard drugs and immune cells to reach pancreatic tumors more effectively and improve treatment responses.
How similar studies have performed: Previous stromal-targeting attempts have produced mixed results and notable side effects, so using tumor-targeting bacteria to deliver ECM-degrading enzymes is a novel and largely untested idea.
Where this research is happening
Duarte, United States
- Beckman Research Institute/city of Hope — Duarte, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Manuel, Edwin — Beckman Research Institute/city of Hope
- Study coordinator: Manuel, Edwin
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 below.