$2.5 million supports pancreatic cancer research

Scientists at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis have received a $2.5 million grant from the National Cancer Institute to continue research into pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma. It is the most common type of pancreatic cancer, accounting for about 90 percent of all cases.

The scientists leading this research are: David G. DeNardo, PhD, associate professor of medicine and of pathology and immunology; Hyun Kim, MD, assistant professor of radiation oncology and chief of the gastrointestinal service; and Julie K. Schwarz, MD, PhD, professor of radiation oncology, vice chair of research and chief of the cancer biology division. All are research members of Siteman Cancer Center at Barnes-Jewish Hospital and Washington University School of Medicine.

Their research seeks to understand the impact that fibrosis, or tissue scarring, has on immune microenvironment and radiation treatment response in patients with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma. By studying how fibrosis impacts the effectiveness of radiation therapy, the researchers aim to improve outcomes for patients.