The Washington University Pancreatic Cancer Specialized Program of Research Excellence (SPORE) is a highly translational cancer research program focused entirely on the deadliest form of the disease, pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). Our outstanding investigators have complementary expertise in basic and clinical sciences, and our teams leverage individual expertise in immunology, drug development, genomics, and imaging to develop novel diagnostic and therapeutic approaches to PDAC. This SPORE includes four research projects, an administrative core, two shared-resources cores, and developmental research and career enhancement programs. With the help of our External and Internal Advisory Boards, we have intentionally selected the projects that have the greatest potential to impact PDAC. All four of our selected projects include a therapeutic trial, and two take advantage of immunologic discoveries made at WU. We have two projects that utilize small molecule inhibitors of pathways that are known to be active in PDAC. The four projects in our application are designed to have significant potential to change clinical practice within five years. Project 1: Overcoming Tumor-Induced Immune Suppression to Improve Responses to Immunotherapy Project 2: Clinical Development of the Pancreatic Cancer Drug Conjugate SW V-49 Project 3: Combination Inhibition of ERK for Pancreatic Cancer Treatment Project 4: Translation and Preclinical Studies of a Personalized Pancreatic Cancer Vaccine Our long-term goal is to improve survival of patients diagnosed with PDAC. To achieve this, we will promote institutional and inter-institutional collaborative science, with an emphasis on translation. We expect that no singular approach will solve PDAC, and fully commit to supporting the development of novel ideas and young investigators. Our SPORE will provide access to pancreatic cancer-specific resources to facilitate this mission.

Public Health Relevance

The goal of the proposed research is to improve our understanding of pancreatic cancer biology. Specifically, we will develop new approaches to detect and treat pancreatic cancers in order to reduce morbidity and mortality.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Cancer Institute (NCI)
Type
Specialized Center (P50)
Project #
1P50CA196510-01A1
Application #
9146190
Study Section
Special Emphasis Panel (ZCA1-RPRB-0 (M1))
Program Officer
Ujhazy, Peter
Project Start
2016-07-28
Project End
2021-06-30
Budget Start
2016-07-28
Budget End
2017-06-30
Support Year
1
Fiscal Year
2016
Total Cost
$2,186,724
Indirect Cost
$653,147
Name
Washington University
Department
Surgery
Type
Schools of Medicine
DUNS #
068552207
City
Saint Louis
State
MO
Country
United States
Zip Code
63130
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