Creating a detailed map of early lung cancer changes
Official title: The Lung PCA: A Multi-Dimensional Atlas of Pulmonary Premalignancy
Funded at Boston University Medical Campus · NIH-9627274 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at early changes in lung tissue that can lead to cancer, specifically focusing on common types of lung cancer, and it's for patients who want to help researchers understand these changes better so they can improve early detection and treatment.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Boston University Medical Campus NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project start | September 30, 2018 |
| Project end | August 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2018 |
| Award (this year) | $6,692,860 |
| NIH project number | 1U2CCA233238-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-9627274 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals with pre-cancerous lung lesions or those at high risk for developing lung cancer.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with advanced lung cancer or those without any pre-cancerous lesions may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research aims to develop a comprehensive atlas of pre-cancerous lung lesions and their surrounding environments, focusing on the most common types of lung cancer: squamous cell carcinoma and adenocarcinoma. By collecting and analyzing biospecimens from patients, the study will utilize advanced molecular profiling techniques to understand the early changes that lead to lung cancer. Patients' samples will be processed and characterized to create a multidimensional view of the genetic and cellular alterations associated with lung carcinogenesis. The findings will be shared through a web-based portal, providing valuable insights for the research community and potentially improving early detection strategies.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved methods for early detection and prevention of lung cancer, ultimately saving lives.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in understanding early cancer changes, but this approach aims to create a novel, detailed atlas that has not been extensively tested before.
Where this research is happening
-
Boston University Medical Campus
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Spira, Avrum E — Boston University Medical Campus
- Study coordinator: Spira, Avrum E
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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.