NIH-funded research R01 grant

Developing a new treatment to enhance radiation therapy and boost the immune response in lung cancer

Official title: Development of a RUVBL1/2 Inhibitor as a Radiosensitizer and Immune Stimulator for NSCLC

Funded at Ut Southwestern Medical Center · NIH-11078323 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study is testing a new oral medication for people with non-small cell lung cancer that helps make cancer cells more vulnerable to radiation and immune therapy, aiming to improve treatment results for those who haven't had success with current options.

More NSCLC research and trials

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUt Southwestern Medical Center
NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Dallas, United States)
Project startJune 1, 2023
Project endMay 31, 2028
Funding year2025
Award (this year)$551,399
NIH project number5R01CA276058-03
Project IDNIH-11078323 on NIH RePORTER

Who could benefit from this research

Could help

Ideal candidates for this research are patients diagnosed with non-small cell lung cancer who are undergoing radiation therapy or immunotherapy.

Less likely to help

Patients with other types of lung cancer or those who are not receiving radiation therapy or immunotherapy may not benefit from this research.

What this research studies

This research focuses on improving treatment outcomes for patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) by developing a new oral medication that inhibits specific proteins involved in DNA repair. By blocking these proteins, the treatment aims to make cancer cells more sensitive to radiation therapy and enhance the effectiveness of immune checkpoint inhibitors. The approach seeks to address the limitations of current therapies, particularly in patients who do not respond well to existing treatments. Patients may benefit from a more effective combination of radiation and immunotherapy, potentially leading to better survival rates.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatment options for lung cancer patients, increasing their chances of survival and reducing recurrence rates.

How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in using similar approaches to enhance the effectiveness of cancer treatments, indicating potential for success in this novel strategy.

Where this research is happening

  • Ut Southwestern Medical Center
    Dallas, United States
    Active

Researchers

  • Principal investigator: Kittler, Ralf — Ut Southwestern Medical Center
  • Study coordinator: Kittler, Ralf

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.