Discovering how cancer cells avoid being attacked by the immune system
Systematic Discovery and Characterization of Novel Cancer Anti-Phagocytic Mechanisms
This study is looking at how small cell lung cancer manages to hide from the immune system, especially how it tricks certain immune cells into not attacking it, and the researchers hope to find ways to make treatments work better for patients with this type of cancer.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California, San Francisco NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (San Francisco, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11052597 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding how small cell lung cancer (SCLC) cells evade the immune system's attack, particularly through mechanisms that prevent macrophages from effectively killing these cancer cells. By using advanced CRISPR/Cas9 technology, the researchers aim to identify and characterize the factors that allow cancer cells to resist phagocytosis, which is the process by which immune cells engulf and destroy cancer cells. The goal is to enhance the effectiveness of therapeutic monoclonal antibodies that can stimulate immune responses against tumors. Patients may benefit from new treatment strategies that could improve outcomes for those with SCLC.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are patients diagnosed with small cell lung cancer who may benefit from enhanced immunotherapy approaches.
Not a fit: Patients with other types of cancer or those whose cancer is not responsive to immunotherapy may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective treatments for small cell lung cancer, potentially improving survival rates and quality of life for patients.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promise in enhancing immune responses against cancer through similar mechanisms, indicating potential for success in this novel approach.
Where this research is happening
San Francisco, United States
- University of California, San Francisco — San Francisco, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Kamber, Roarke Alexander — University of California, San Francisco
- Study coordinator: Kamber, Roarke Alexander
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 below.