Federal Grant Award Summary

The National Cancer Institute awarded $411,206 to the University of California, San Diego under the Cancer Treatment Research program (CFDA 93.395) on May 14, 2026, with a project completion date of April 30, 2028. This Project Grant supports the development of small molecule inhibitors targeting the proton-sensing G protein-coupled receptor GPR68 as a novel therapeutic approach for pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). The research addresses a critical clinical need, as PDAC accounts for approximately 90% of pancreatic cancers and remains the third leading cause of cancer-related death in the United States, with a five-year survival rate of only 8%.

The funded research focuses on elucidating the mechanisms by which GPR68 inhibitors can normalize the tumor microenvironment in PDAC by simultaneously blocking receptor effects in cancer cells, cancer-associated fibroblasts, and T cells. By targeting extracellular acidification—a hallmark of the desmoplastic, hypoxic tumor microenvironment that impairs drug delivery and suppresses antitumor immunity—these pharmacological inhibitors are hypothesized to enhance the efficacy of concurrent chemotherapy and immunotherapy regimens. The project encompasses discovery, development, and mechanistic studies to advance this novel treatment modality for pancreatic cancer patients.