Vaccines targeting cancer-specific proteins combined with immune therapies for pancreatic cancer
Official title: Neoantigen-Targeted Vaccines in Combination with Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors for Pancreatic Cancer
Funded at Johns Hopkins University · NIH-10877877 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at a new way to help people with pancreatic cancer by creating personalized vaccines that target specific changes in their tumor cells, hoping to boost the immune system's ability to fight the cancer when used with other treatments.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Career grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Johns Hopkins University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Baltimore, United States) |
| Project start | July 1, 2021 |
| Project end | June 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $221,727 |
| NIH project number | 5K08CA248624-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-10877877 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are patients diagnosed with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma who have specific tumor mutations suitable for neoantigen-targeted therapy.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with pancreatic cancer who do not have the specific mutations targeted by the neoantigen vaccines may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the use of neoantigen-targeted vaccines alongside immune checkpoint inhibitors to enhance the immune response against pancreatic cancer. By identifying specific mutations in tumor cells that are unique to cancer, the study aims to develop vaccines that can stimulate the immune system to recognize and attack these cancer cells more effectively. The approach focuses on overcoming the challenges posed by the immunosuppressive environment of pancreatic tumors, which typically have fewer T cells infiltrating them. Patients may receive a personalized vaccine based on their tumor's specific neoantigens, potentially improving their response to existing immune therapies.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective treatment options for pancreatic cancer patients, potentially improving survival rates and quality of life.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have shown promising results with similar approaches in other cancers, indicating potential for success in pancreatic cancer as well.
Where this research is happening
-
Johns Hopkins University
Baltimore, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Zaidi, Neeha — Johns Hopkins University
- Study coordinator: Zaidi, Neeha
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Vaccines Targeting Cancer Markers with Immunotherapy for Pancreatic Cancer
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-
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Targeting aberrant enhancer landscapes in pancreatic cancer
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Understanding how immune checkpoint drugs can trigger inflammatory arthritis in cancer patients
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Exosome-based microRNA biomarkers for early, non-invasive detection of pancreatic cancer
A study to develop a blood test that uses tiny RNA signals in exosomes to detect pancreatic cancer early, aiming to help people at risk or with early disease.
-
Exosome-based microRNA biomarkers for early detection of pancreatic cancer
A patient-friendly look at a study using tiny blood-based RNA markers inside exosomes to catch pancreatic cancer early without invasive procedures.
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.