Developing nanoparticles to treat drug-resistant lung cancer.
Official title: Engineering Dual-Targeted Nanoplatforms to Effectively Treat NSCLC.
Funded at University of Missouri-Columbia · NIH-11117070 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is exploring a new way to help people with Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer by creating tiny particles that can target and shut down specific pathways that make the cancer resistant to treatment, with the goal of making the treatment more effective and reducing side effects.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Missouri-Columbia NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Columbia, United States) |
| Project start | September 30, 2022 |
| Project end | May 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $629,729 |
| NIH project number | 5R01EB032869-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-11117070 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 have developed resistance to current therapies.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with other types of lung cancer or those who have not experienced drug resistance may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on addressing drug resistance in Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC) by engineering nanoparticles that can target and suppress multiple survival pathways in tumors. The approach involves designing nanoparticles that can simultaneously knock down two specific targets, AXL and FN14, which are linked to resistance in EGFR mutant NSCLC. By optimizing the size and delivery of these nanoparticles, the research aims to enhance their ability to penetrate tumors effectively and minimize side effects. The findings will be validated using clinically relevant animal models and patient samples.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide a new treatment option for patients with drug-resistant lung cancer, potentially improving their outcomes.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promise in using nanoparticles for cancer treatment, but this specific approach targeting dual pathways is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Missouri-Columbia
Columbia, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Kannan, Raghuraman — University of Missouri-Columbia
- Study coordinator: Kannan, Raghuraman
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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.