NIH-funded research R01 grant

Detecting small cell lung cancer using autoantibodies as biomarkers

Official title: Autoantibodies to tumor-derived neoepitopes as biomarkers and immunoPET agents for the early detection of small cell lung cancer

Funded at Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center · NIH-10896444 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study is looking for ways to find small cell lung cancer earlier by checking for certain antibodies in the blood of people, especially heavy smokers, and using imaging tests to spot tumors, which could help catch the cancer sooner and improve treatment outcomes.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionFred Hutchinson Cancer Center
NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Seattle, United States)
Project startAugust 1, 2023
Project endJuly 31, 2028
Funding year2024
Award (this year)$613,760
NIH project number5R01CA281801-02
Project IDNIH-10896444 on NIH RePORTER

Who could benefit from this research

Could help

Ideal candidates for this research are heavy smokers or individuals at high risk for developing small cell lung cancer.

Less likely to help

Patients who do not smoke or have no other risk factors for small cell lung cancer may not benefit from this research.

What this research studies

This research focuses on improving the early detection of small cell lung cancer (SCLC) by identifying specific autoantibodies present in the blood of patients. The approach involves a two-tiered strategy that combines a blood test to detect these autoantibodies with non-invasive imaging techniques to confirm the presence of tumors. By targeting high-risk individuals, particularly heavy smokers, the research aims to facilitate timely diagnosis and treatment, potentially improving survival rates. The study leverages previously validated cancer-specific neoantigens to enhance the accuracy of detection.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly increase the early detection rates of small cell lung cancer, leading to better treatment outcomes and improved survival rates.

How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in using autoantibodies as biomarkers for cancer detection, indicating that this approach may be effective.

Where this research is happening

  • Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center
    Seattle, United States
    Active

Researchers

  • Principal investigator: Lampe, Paul D. — Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center
  • Study coordinator: Lampe, Paul D.

Related research

Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.