Virus-based therapy to boost immune attack on pancreatic cancer
A novel oncolytic virus for pancreatic cancer immunotherapy
This project uses a modified virus to help the immune system attack pancreatic cancer and to break down the tumor's dense protective tissue.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Lsu Health Sciences Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New Orleans, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11196179 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers are developing a lab-engineered virus (based on vesicular stomatitis virus) that both kills pancreatic tumor cells directly and carries enzymes to break up the dense tumor microenvironment. The team aims to convert immunologically “cold” pancreatic tumors into “hot” tumors that attract immune cells and respond better to immunotherapy. Work involves laboratory and preclinical testing to check how the virus works, how safe it is, and whether it improves delivery of other immune-based treatments. If those steps go well, the approach could move toward combining the virus with existing immunotherapies and early human testing.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with pancreatic cancer, particularly those whose tumors have not responded well to standard surgery or chemotherapy, would be the likely candidates.
Not a fit: People without pancreatic cancer or those with severe immune suppression, active infections, or contraindications to viral therapies likely would not benefit.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could make pancreatic tumors more responsive to immunotherapy and provide longer, more durable cancer control for patients.
How similar studies have performed: Oncolytic viruses have shown benefit in other cancers such as melanoma, but applying them to overcome pancreatic tumor barriers is largely experimental and less proven.
Where this research is happening
New Orleans, United States
- Lsu Health Sciences Center — New Orleans, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Moaven, Omeed — Lsu Health Sciences Center
- Study coordinator: Moaven, Omeed
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.