Creating a new treatment to prevent lung cancer using immune system activation
Official title: Developing a novel agonist of CD137 for cancer immunoprevention
Funded at University of Missouri-Columbia · NIH-10877474 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing a new treatment that helps boost the immune system to prevent lung cancer in people who are at higher risk because of their environment, using a special agent that could work for many types of tumors.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Missouri-Columbia NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Columbia, United States) |
| Project start | July 17, 2024 |
| Project end | June 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $761,094 |
| NIH project number | 1UG3CA290305-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10877474 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals at high risk for lung cancer due to environmental exposures.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have a high risk of lung cancer or those with existing cancer may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates a novel treatment that activates the immune system to prevent lung cancer, particularly in individuals at high risk due to environmental factors. The approach focuses on a specific pathway in the immune system known as the 4-1BB costimulatory pathway, which enhances the activity of CD8+ T cells, crucial for fighting cancer. By using a new agent called SA-4-1BBL, the research aims to develop a method that does not rely on identifying specific cancer antigens, making it potentially applicable to a broader range of tumors. The study will be conducted in preclinical models that mimic high-risk populations, providing insights into its effectiveness before moving to human trials.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to a groundbreaking method for preventing lung cancer in high-risk individuals.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in using immune system activation for cancer treatment, but this specific approach is novel and untested in the context of lung cancer prevention.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Missouri-Columbia
Columbia, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Shirwan, Haval — University of Missouri-Columbia
- Study coordinator: Shirwan, Haval
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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.