Exploring the social and biological factors affecting lung cancer in African Americans

The interplay of social and molecular determinants in lung cancer disparity

NIH-funded research Morehouse School of Medicine · NIH-11004600

This study is looking into why African Americans have higher rates of lung cancer and face tougher challenges in surviving it, and it’s inviting patients to help by sharing samples and information about their communities to uncover the reasons behind these differences.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionMorehouse School of Medicine NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Atlanta, United States)
Project IDNIH-11004600 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates the reasons behind the higher rates of lung cancer and poorer survival outcomes in African Americans compared to other racial groups. It aims to identify both molecular and social determinants that contribute to these disparities, focusing on specific biological markers and neighborhood-level factors. By analyzing the role of the CCR6/CCL20 pathway and the impact of chronic stress on immune responses, the study seeks to uncover the underlying mechanisms of lung cancer aggressiveness. Patients may be involved in providing biological samples and data related to their social environments to help advance this important research.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research include African American individuals diagnosed with lung cancer, particularly those with non-small cell lung cancer.

Not a fit: Patients who do not identify as African American or those with lung cancer types other than non-small cell lung cancer may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved understanding and treatment strategies for lung cancer specifically tailored to African American patients.

How similar studies have performed: While the specific interplay of social and molecular determinants in lung cancer disparities has not been extensively studied, related research has shown promising results in understanding racial differences in cancer outcomes.

Where this research is happening

Atlanta, United States

Researchers

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 below.
Conditions anti-cancer therapy
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 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.