A new treatment approach for lung cancer that resists current therapies

Hi-jacking the kynurenine pathway: A new therapeutic approach used to treat cisplatin resistant lung cancer that evades immune surveillance and proliferates with increased ROS levels

NIH-funded research Miami VA Health Care System · NIH-11050121

This study is looking at a new way to help people with non-small cell lung cancer that doesn't get better with standard treatments, by understanding how some cancer cells hide from the immune system and finding better ways to fight them.

Quick facts

Grant typeNIH-funded research
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionMiami VA Health Care System NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Miami, United States)
Project IDNIH-11050121 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates a novel therapeutic strategy targeting the kynurenine pathway to treat lung cancer that is resistant to cisplatin and evades immune detection. The study focuses on understanding how certain cancer cells manipulate their environment to avoid immune responses, particularly through the activity of specific proteins like IDO1 and YAP1. By analyzing these mechanisms, the researchers aim to develop more effective treatments for patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) who do not respond to existing therapies.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are patients diagnosed with non-small cell lung cancer who have shown resistance to cisplatin-based therapies.

Not a fit: Patients with lung cancer that is sensitive to cisplatin or those with other types of cancer may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatment options for patients with resistant lung cancer, potentially increasing survival rates.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promise in targeting immune evasion mechanisms in cancer, suggesting that this approach could be effective, although it is still considered novel.

Where this research is happening

Miami, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.