Finding new ways to target cancer stem cells in lung cancer
Official title: Identification of a novel targetable cancer stem cell regulator promoting cancer progression and metastasis in non-small cell lung cancer
Funded at Duke University · NIH-11030328 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at a type of lung cancer called non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) to find new ways to treat it by understanding special cancer cells that help the disease grow and resist treatment, and patients may have the chance to try out these new treatments as they are developed.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Duke University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Durham, United States) |
| Project start | February 9, 2023 |
| Project end | January 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $513,120 |
| NIH project number | 5R01CA270617-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-11030328 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are patients diagnosed with advanced non-small cell lung cancer, particularly those who have not responded well to existing therapies.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with early-stage non-small cell lung cancer or those with other types of lung cancer may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), which is a challenging form of lung cancer with low survival rates, especially in advanced stages. The team aims to identify a novel regulator that controls cancer stem cells, which are believed to contribute to cancer progression and resistance to current therapies. By understanding how these stem cells function, the research seeks to develop new treatment strategies that could improve patient outcomes. Patients may be involved in trials that test these new therapies as they become available.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective treatments for advanced lung cancer, potentially improving survival rates and quality of life for patients.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in targeting cancer stem cells in other cancers, suggesting that this approach could be beneficial for non-small cell lung cancer as well.
Where this research is happening
-
Duke University
Durham, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Lin, Hui-Kuan — Duke University
- Study coordinator: Lin, Hui-Kuan
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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.