Biomarker-driven approach to overcome immune resistance in STK11-deficient NSCLC
Official title: Biomarker-Driven Strategies to Overcome Immunotherapy Resistance in STK11-Deficient NSCLC
Funded at Ohio State University · NIH-11401783 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A doctor-led program aims to use a new biomarker to guide immunotherapy for a common type of lung cancer that often resists treatment.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Career grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Ohio State University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Columbus, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | September 2, 2024 |
| Project end | August 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $281,370 |
| NIH project number | 5K08CA279925-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11401783 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults with STK11-deficient non-small cell lung cancer who are candidates for immunotherapy and related biomarker testing.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without STK11 mutations or those not receiving immunotherapy may not benefit from this biomarker-focused approach.
What this research studies
This grant focuses on how specific tumor differentiation states shape the immune environment inside lung tumors with STK11 mutations and how that affects response to immunotherapy. Researchers will validate the STK11-MLDD biomarker in patient groups and work toward using it in future trials. They will also study immune cells and resistance patterns in the tumor microenvironment using flow cytometry and single-cell RNA sequencing to tailor therapies for affected patients.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, patients with STK11-deficient NSCLC could receive more effective, personalized immunotherapy strategies guided by a biomarker.
How similar studies have gone: Preliminary data suggest that tumor differentiation phenotypes influence immunotherapy response, but validation in diverse patient cohorts is ongoing and results are still emerging.
Where this research is happening
-
Ohio State University
Columbus, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Kaufman, Jacob Marcus — Ohio State University
- Study coordinator: Kaufman, Jacob Marcus
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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.