Rewiring very long chain fatty acid metabolism in pancreatic tumor-associated macrophages to overcome kras-targeted therapy resistance

Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, through its Cancer Institute of New Jersey, received a $768,420 Project Grant from the Defense Health Agency (DHA) under the Military Medical Research and Development program (CFDA 12.420) effective July 1, 2025, through June 30, 2028. The award funds research investigating the rewiring of very long chain fatty acid metabolism in pancreatic tumor-associated macrophages to overcome KRAS-targeted therapy resistance. This research aims to advance understanding of pancreatic cancer immunology and develop strategies to improve therapeutic efficacy for this disease, with direct applications to advancing medical solutions relevant to military service members and the broader public health mission.

The three-year research initiative represents a focused biomedical investigation aligned with the Defense Health Agency's mission to support hypothesis-driven research addressing critical health challenges through innovative and impactful scientific inquiry. The award supports basic and applied research activities conducted at Rutgers' New Brunswick, New Jersey campus, contributing to the broader federal investment in cancer immunotherapy and translational research mechanisms under the Military Medical Research and Development program.