NIH-funded research R21 grant

A new treatment for squamous cell lung cancer using targeted therapy

Official title: R21: A novel antibody-drug conjugate for treatment of squamous cell lung carcinoma

Funded at Boston University (Charles River Campus) · NIH-10671669 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study is testing a new treatment for squamous cell lung cancer that uses a special drug designed to deliver chemotherapy directly to cancer cells, which could help patients feel better and live longer while protecting healthy tissues.

Quick facts

Grant typeR21 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionBoston University (Charles River Campus)
NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Boston, United States)
Project startJuly 1, 2022
Project endJune 30, 2025
Funding year2023
Award (this year)$226,784
NIH project number5R21CA273645-02
Project IDNIH-10671669 on NIH RePORTER

Who could benefit from this research

Could help

Ideal candidates for this research are patients diagnosed with squamous cell lung carcinoma who have limited treatment options.

Less likely to help

Patients with other types of lung cancer or those who do not have squamous cell carcinoma may not benefit from this research.

What this research studies

This research investigates a novel therapy for squamous cell lung carcinoma (SCC) that utilizes an antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) to deliver a potent chemotherapy drug directly to cancer cells. The approach targets tumors that overexpress a specific receptor, allowing for more effective treatment while minimizing damage to healthy tissues. By using a new method for drug conjugation, the therapy aims to enhance the stability and efficacy of the treatment. Patients with SCC may benefit from this targeted approach, which could lead to improved survival rates.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide a more effective treatment option for patients with squamous cell lung carcinoma, potentially improving survival rates.

How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise with similar antibody-drug conjugate approaches in treating various cancers, suggesting potential for success in this novel application.

Where this research is happening

  • Boston University (Charles River Campus)
    Boston, United States
    Active

Researchers

  • Principal investigator: Grinstaff, Mark W. — Boston University (Charles River Campus)
  • Study coordinator: Grinstaff, Mark W.

Related research

Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.

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  • How small cell lung cancer cells switch between different states

    This research looks at how cells inside small cell lung cancer change into different types and how those changes affect treatment for people with SCLC.

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  • Understanding how small cell lung cancer adapts and resists treatment

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    NIH research Northwestern University at Chicago · Chicago, United States · NIH-10887640

  • Combining targeted therapies to treat difficult lung cancer cases

    This study is testing a new way to treat advanced non-small cell lung cancer by using a special self-injectable medicine that targets specific proteins causing the cancer, with the hope of making treatments work better for patients.

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  • Novel idea: Epstein-Barr virus and eye cancer in people living with HIV in Zimbabwe

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    NIH research H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Ctr & Res Inst · Tampa, United States · NIH-11625534

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.