Exercise to Improve Immunity and Immunotherapy for Lung Cancer
Harnessing Exercise to Enhance Immunity and Boost Immunotherapy Outcomes in Patients with Lung Cancer
This project explores how exercise might help patients with lung cancer respond better to immunotherapy and experience fewer side effects.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Seattle, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11249260 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Immunotherapy has changed lung cancer treatment, but many patients don't respond well, and some experience difficult side effects. This happens partly because their immune cells aren't strong enough or don't reach the tumor effectively. We believe that regular exercise could strengthen the immune system and help these treatments work better. Exercise may also reduce common side effects like muscle pain and heart or lung issues, which are often experienced by patients receiving immunotherapy.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Patients with lung cancer who are receiving or will receive immunotherapy and are able to participate in an exercise program would be ideal candidates.
Not a fit: Patients who are not undergoing immunotherapy for lung cancer or are unable to engage in physical activity may not directly benefit from this specific approach.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new ways to make immunotherapy more effective and tolerable for people with lung cancer.
How similar studies have performed: While preclinical studies suggest exercise can boost immune responses and reduce side effects, clinical studies specifically combining exercise with immunotherapy for lung cancer patients have not yet been conducted.
Where this research is happening
Seattle, United States
- Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center — Seattle, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Kang, Dong-Woo — Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center
- Study coordinator: Kang, Dong-Woo
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.