Creating a new treatment tool for small cell lung cancer
Official title: Development of a new tool to treat small cell lung cancer
Funded at University of Southern California · NIH-11120654 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at a new way to treat small cell lung cancer by focusing on a specific change in a protein that could help boost the body's immune response, aiming to create a safer and more effective treatment for patients like you.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Southern California NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Los Angeles, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | April 1, 2025 |
| Project end | March 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $194,013 |
| NIH project number | 1R21CA301276-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11120654 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research would be patients diagnosed with small cell lung cancer who may benefit from novel immunotherapy approaches.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with other types of lung cancer or those who do not have small cell lung cancer may not receive any benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing a novel treatment for small cell lung cancer (SCLC) by targeting a specific protein modification known as isoaspartylation on the ELAVL4 protein, which is found on SCLC tumors. The study aims to harness the body's immune response to this modification, which has been linked to improved therapy outcomes in some patients. By using a genetically-engineered mouse model that mimics human SCLC, researchers will explore how to enhance the immune response while minimizing harmful side effects that can occur when the immune system attacks healthy tissues. This approach could lead to a more effective and safer treatment option for patients with SCLC.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide a new, effective treatment option for patients with small cell lung cancer, potentially improving survival rates.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in using immune responses to target cancer cells, suggesting that this approach could be effective, although it is still being explored in the context of SCLC.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Southern California
Los Angeles, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Offringa, Ite a — University of Southern California
- Study coordinator: Offringa, Ite a
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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.