Autoantibodies as early signals and imaging guides for small cell lung cancer
Official title: Autoantibodies to tumor-derived neoepitopes as biomarkers and immunoPET agents for the early detection of small cell lung cancer
Funded at Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center · NIH-11369095 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A blood-based test using autoantibodies may help detect small cell lung cancer early and guide non-invasive imaging to confirm and map tumors.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Seattle, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2023 |
| Project end | July 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $597,523 |
| NIH project number | 5R01CA281801-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-11369095 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
High-risk individuals (e.g., heavy smokers) undergoing LD-CT screening who are potential candidates for early SCLC detection.
✕Less likely to help
Individuals without SCLC risk factors or who do not participate in LD-CT screening may not benefit.
What this research studies
This grant explores how autoantibodies found in most SCLC patients could serve as early biomarkers and imaging targets. The project aims to pair a blood test with imaging approaches to improve sensitivity and specificity of early SCLC detection during routine LD-CT screenings for high-risk individuals. By validating cancer-specific neoantigens, it seeks to create a non-invasive way to identify tumors and outline surgical or treatment plans. The work is designed to translate laboratory findings into a practical, patient-friendly screening-enhanced detection pathway.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, patients could benefit from earlier detection and better-guided treatment decisions for SCLC.
How similar studies have gone: Prior work has shown autoantibodies are common in SCLC and can point to tumor antigens, supporting a promising but still-Early-stage approach.
Where this research is happening
-
Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center
Seattle, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Lampe, Paul D. — Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center
- Study coordinator: Lampe, Paul D.
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.