Investigating cancer cell and macrophage fusion in pancreatic cancer

Targeting Fusion Machinery Between Macrophages and Cancer Cells to Ameliorate Cancer Desmoplasia

Observational National Taiwan University Hospital · NCT05399719

This study is trying to see how cancer cells and immune cells called macrophages combine in pancreatic cancer and what that means for the disease's growth and treatment.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment50 (estimated)
SexAll
SponsorNational Taiwan University Hospital Academic / other
Drugs / interventionsradiation
Locations1 site (Miaoli)
Trial IDNCT05399719 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This observational study aims to explore the phenomenon of fusion between cancer cells and macrophages, which may contribute to the desmoplasia and progression of pancreatic cancer. Utilizing murine tumor models and advanced techniques such as immunofluorescence staining and flow cytometry, the study will assess the characteristics and behaviors of these fusion hybrids. The research will also compare gene expression profiles between fused and non-fused cancer cells to understand their distinct biological properties. The findings could provide insights into the role of macrophages in cancer progression and potential therapeutic strategies.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates include individuals aged 20 to 70 with normal peripheral blood laboratory results and those who have undergone bone marrow transplantation and developed malignant tumors.

Not a fit: Patients with malignant cancer who have no recurrent disease for less than 5 years or those with major cardiovascular or immunologic diseases may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to new therapeutic approaches targeting the mechanisms of cancer progression and desmoplasia in pancreatic cancer.

How similar studies have performed: While there have been studies exploring macrophage roles in cancer, this specific approach of investigating cancer cell-macrophage fusion is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

prospective

1. normal peripheral blood laboratory results within one week.
2. hematopoietic cell growth factors are allowed for peripheral blood stem cell donors.
3. hyperemia patients. .
4. age 20 to 70.

retrospective

1. recipient of bone marrow transplantation and developed malignant tumor after transplantation.
2. tumor was resected or biopsied and preserved in Pathology Department. 4-8um thick, 10 slices.

Exclusion Criteria:

prospective

1. malignant cancer patients with no recurrent disease for less than 5 years
2. major cardiovascular disease, immnologic disease, pregnancy.
3. long term users of immuno-suppressants and steroids.

retrospective

(1)none.

Where this trial is running

Miaoli

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Fusion Protein ExpressionBone Marrow Cellsfusion hybrids, macrophages, cancer cells
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.