Blocking neutrophils to help immunotherapy work better in lung cancer
Project 1: Targeting Neutrophils to Enhance ICI Efficacy in NSCLC
['FUNDING_OTHER'] · FRED HUTCHINSON CANCER CENTER · NIH-11196686
This project tests whether adding a drug that blocks neutrophils to the immunotherapy atezolizumab helps people with certain types of non-small cell lung cancer that often fail initial immunotherapy.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_OTHER'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | FRED HUTCHINSON CANCER CENTER (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (SEATTLE, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11196686 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
Researchers found that about 30% of non-small cell lung cancers are rich in myeloid cells like neutrophils, which may block immunotherapy. They will build a simple lab test that uses a routine biopsy slide and a small gene panel to identify these "Myeloid" tumors so hospitals everywhere can use it. Patients whose tumors match this Myeloid profile will be offered a Phase 2 trial combining the CXCR1/2 blocker SX-682 with the immunotherapy drug atezolizumab as second-line treatment. The plan follows mouse studies showing that blocking or removing neutrophils can boost immunotherapy and will analyze patient tumor samples to see if the approach rescues prior immunotherapy failures.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults with non-small cell lung cancer who need second-line treatment and whose tumors test positive for the Myeloid/neutrophil-rich profile.
Not a fit: Patients whose tumors already show active immune responses (not Myeloid), those with other cancer types, or those unable to receive immunotherapy or CXCR1/2 inhibitors may not benefit.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could help people whose lung cancers don't respond to immunotherapy by making the treatment effective for them.
How similar studies have performed: Animal studies have shown that reducing neutrophils can improve responses to immune checkpoint inhibitors, but clinical proof in patients combining CXCR1/2 inhibitors with immunotherapy is still limited.
Where this research is happening
SEATTLE, UNITED STATES
- FRED HUTCHINSON CANCER CENTER — SEATTLE, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: HOUGHTON, A MCGARRY — FRED HUTCHINSON CANCER CENTER
- Study coordinator: HOUGHTON, A MCGARRY
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.