Maitra Laboratory

Laboratory Overview and Mission

Pancreatic cancer is the third most common cause of cancer related deaths in the United States and the incidence of this cancer is rising each year. The overarching mission of the Maitra Laboratory is to have a meaningful impact on the lives of people with pancreatic cancer through an improved understanding of the molecular underpinnings of this disease. We have pursued this mission by developing and studying new animal models that recapitulate pancreatic cancer in humans, as well as through innovative translational research conducted on patient-derived models and biospecimens. We are a firm proponent of “learning from every patient” and believe that translational research in this disease needs to have a clear line of sight to the clinic, especially given the urgency for making progress in improving patient outcomes. 

Our laboratory is located within the Sheikh Ahmed Center for Pancreatic Cancer Research, which is an epicenter for translational research activities dedicated towards making progress in this disease. The Maitra Laboratory strongly endorses that progress in pancreatic cancer will happen through collaboration, and is an active participant in numerous team science efforts, including the MD Anderson Pancreatic Cancer Moonshot Program. 

We welcome you to virtually “visit” the Maitra Laboratory, as well as the Ahmed Center, and become familiarized with the roster of research activities being pursued within our team. Together, we can make pancreatic cancer history!