University of California, Los Angeles
Identifying circulating biomarkers for predicting response to neoadjuvant immunotherapy in pancreatic cancer
Overview
Aim: Treatment / Therapy
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is a particularly difficult cancer to treat, with surgery being the only potential way to achieve long-term survival. However, certain types of pancreatic cancer, like borderline resectable (BRPC) and locally advanced (LAPC), pose significant challenges, often requiring chemotherapy instead of immediate surgery. There is an urgent need for new therapies, especially since current immunotherapies have not shown benefits for PDAC patients. Recent research suggests that blocking specific receptors could enhance the effectiveness of existing treatments.
To address this, our team at UCLA has started a clinical trial to test a combination of new treatments, including checkpoint inhibitors and antibodies targeting adenosine receptors, alongside chemotherapy. A major hurdle is the lack of reliable blood tests (biomarkers) to predict how well these therapies will work. This proposal aims to fill that gap by using advanced genomic analysis of blood samples to identify new biomarkers. These biomarkers could help personalize treatment plans, potentially improving outcomes for patients and reducing side effects.