Vaccine targeting KRAS mutations to prevent early pancreatic cancer
Mutant KRAS targeted vaccines for the interception of pancreatic cancer development
A peptide vaccine that trains the immune system to recognize common KRAS mutations to try to stop pancreatic cancer in people at high risk or with early precancerous lesions.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R37 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Johns Hopkins University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Baltimore, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11179428 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This project develops a vaccine made from six peptides that match the most common KRAS mutations found in pancreatic cancer. The vaccine aims to trigger KRAS-specific immune responses, especially CD4 T cells, that could halt progression from precancerous lesions to invasive cancer. Prior work showed safety and immune responses in mice and early human testing, and the team will enroll people identified by genetic testing or imaging as high risk or with premalignant pancreatic lesions. Participants will be monitored over time for immune responses and changes in their pancreatic lesions.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates are people at increased risk for pancreatic cancer due to family history or pathogenic cancer-predisposing gene variants, or those with KRAS-mutant precancerous pancreatic lesions such as PanIN or IPMN, and patients after resection of KRAS-mutant PDAC.
Not a fit: People without KRAS mutations or without premalignant pancreatic lesions, and those with advanced metastatic pancreatic cancer, are unlikely to benefit from this preventive vaccine approach.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the vaccine could prevent or delay the development of KRAS-driven pancreatic cancer in people with premalignant lesions or high genetic risk.
How similar studies have performed: Preclinical mouse studies and an initial human peptide-vaccine trial reported safety, induction of KRAS-specific T cells, and signals of improved disease-free survival, but larger confirmatory trials are still needed.
Where this research is happening
Baltimore, United States
- Johns Hopkins University — Baltimore, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Zaidi, Neeha — Johns Hopkins University
- Study coordinator: Zaidi, Neeha
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.