Blocking a tumor pathway to boost immunotherapy for non-small cell lung cancer
Targeting Tumor-Associated Macrophages via Hedgehog Inhibition to Enhance Immunotherapy in Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer
This project will see if adding a drug that blocks the Hedgehog pathway to immune checkpoint therapy helps people with non-small cell lung cancer by restoring the immune system's CD8 T cells inside tumors.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Ohio State University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Columbus, UNITED STATES) |
| Project ID | NIH-11319812 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
If you join, you'll receive a Hedgehog-pathway inhibitor together with standard PD-1/PD-L1 immune checkpoint therapy as part of a multi-center phase Ib protocol. Doctors will collect tumor biopsies and blood samples before and after treatment to track changes in tumor-associated macrophages and CD8+ T cells in the tumor microenvironment. The team will closely monitor safety, side effects, and early signs that the combination shrinks tumors or increases immune activity. Results will guide whether this combination can make immunotherapy work better for more patients with NSCLC.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with advanced or metastatic non-small cell lung cancer who are eligible for PD-1/PD-L1 therapy, have measurable disease, and can undergo tumor biopsies and clinic visits.
Not a fit: People with other cancer types, early-stage disease not receiving systemic immunotherapy, those ineligible for PD-1/PD-L1 drugs, or unable to undergo required biopsies are unlikely to benefit from this trial.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could help more people with non-small cell lung cancer respond to immunotherapy and prolong tumor control or survival.
How similar studies have performed: Preclinical laboratory and animal studies showed that Hedgehog blockade plus PD-1/PD-L1 inhibition improved CD8 T cell function and tumor control, but this combination is now entering early human testing.
Where this research is happening
Columbus, UNITED STATES
- Ohio State University — Columbus, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Owen, Dwight H. — Ohio State University
- Study coordinator: Owen, Dwight H.
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 below.