Investigating the Role of Piezo1 in Pancreatic Cancer-Related Immune Suppression and Disease Progression
Abstract
The Peer Reviewed Cancer Research Program (PRCRP) Topic Area is “Pancreatic Cancer.” The PRCRP Military Relevance Focus Area is “Gaps in Cancer Treatment.” Pancreatic cancer is characterized by an ineffective immune response to the tumor. The scientific objective of the proposed study is to develop a new modality for pancreas cancer treatment by enhancing the immune system’s capacity to fight pancreatic cancer. Our proposed new modality involves inhibiting Piezo1, which we believe is a critical avenue for ion influx in immune cells in pancreatic cancer and directs the suppressive phenotype and function of immune cells. The ultimate applicability of this research is to develop a new more effective therapeutic approach for pancreas cancer patients for use either alone or in combination with available immune-based therapies. The potential clinical utility will be great, as this could transform care for pancreas cancer patients. We anticipate that the risks associated with this treatment would be low. The timeline for developing this concept is 3 years at which point we hope proceed with translation to patient use. Considering that military Veterans are disproportionately affected by pancreas cancer, this work has particular applicability to this vulnerable population. Further, in addition to its therapeutic potential in patients, this work will also greatly improve our basic understanding of how pancreas cancer suppresses the immune system’s capacity to fight tumor.
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- Oct 29, 2018
- Source ID
- W81XWH1810495
Entities
People
- George Miller
Organizations
- Grossman School of Medicine
- United States Army