Why pancreatic cancer can stop responding to FOLFIRINOX chemotherapy
Metabolic regulation of FOLFIRINOX acquired resistance in pancreatic cancer
This project looks for changes in tumor metabolism that let pancreatic cancer stop responding to FOLFIRINOX, aiming to find treatments that help people with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Oklahoma Hlth Sciences Ctr NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Oklahoma City, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11181554 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
From a patient's point of view, researchers are studying tumor samples and patient-derived tumor models to find metabolic changes linked to FOLFIRINOX resistance. They use CRISPR genetic screens, biochemical tests, and analysis of tumor proteins (including a protein called PADI1) to see how cancer cells rewire amino acid use and acidity. Promising metabolic targets will be tested in lab models and prioritized for approaches that could move toward clinical testing. The team focuses on changes shared between tumor cells and their surrounding tissue to find therapies that can restore chemotherapy sensitivity.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma, especially those receiving FOLFIRINOX or whose tumors have stopped responding to it, or patients willing to donate tumor tissue for research.
Not a fit: People with other cancer types, those who cannot travel to the research site, or patients too unwell to provide tissue or enroll are unlikely to benefit directly from this project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new drugs or combinations that help people with pancreatic cancer respond again to FOLFIRINOX and potentially live longer.
How similar studies have performed: Preclinical studies and patient-derived tumor models have shown that targeting tumor metabolism can reverse chemotherapy resistance, but this approach has not yet been proven in patients with pancreatic cancer.
Where this research is happening
Oklahoma City, United States
- University of Oklahoma Hlth Sciences Ctr — Oklahoma City, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Singh, Pankaj Kumar — University of Oklahoma Hlth Sciences Ctr
- Study coordinator: Singh, Pankaj Kumar
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.