NIH-funded research NIH-funded research

A new treatment approach for lung cancer that resists current therapies

Official title: 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

Funded at Miami VA Health Care System · NIH-11050121 · Data updated 2026-11-12

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.

More Lung Cancer research and trials

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 startJuly 1, 2018
Project endDecember 31, 2028
Funding year2025
NIH project number2I01BX004371-05A2
Project IDNIH-11050121 on NIH RePORTER

Who could benefit from this research

Could help

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

Less likely to help

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

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.

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 gone: 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 VA Health Care System
    Miami, United States
    Active

Researchers

  • Principal investigator: Wangpaichitr, Medhi — Miami VA Health Care System
  • Study coordinator: Wangpaichitr, Medhi

Related research

Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.

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.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 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.