Gulf War burn-pit air exposures and lung cancer risk in Veterans
Lung Cancer Susceptibility in Deployed Gulf War Veterans
['FUNDING_OTHER'] · VETERANS HEALTH ADMINISTRATION · NIH-11071949
Looking at whether the air toxins Gulf War Veterans breathed can change lung immune cells and raise the chance of lung cancer.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_OTHER'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | VETERANS HEALTH ADMINISTRATION (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (PITTSBURGH, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11071949 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
We will look for cancer-related epigenetic changes in lung tissue from Gulf War Veterans who developed lung cancer. Using digital spatial profiling, the team will make a detailed map of cell types and gene activity in affected lung areas to understand immune-driven remodeling. In parallel, researchers will use a mouse model that mimics burn pit–type aerosol exposures to test how those toxins increase cancer susceptibility. Finally, they will try to reverse harmful epigenetic marks in 3D lung cultures and primary cells from Veterans to identify possible prevention or treatment targets.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Gulf War Veterans with deployment-related respiratory exposures, especially those who developed lung cancer or can donate lung tissue, blood, or medical records, are the ideal participants.
Not a fit: People who were not deployed to the Gulf War or whose lung problems are unrelated to deployment exposures are unlikely to benefit from this work.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Could identify lasting epigenetic markers of exposure and new targets to help prevent or treat lung cancer in exposed Veterans.
How similar studies have performed: Previous mouse work showed prolonged inflammation and epigenetic changes after burn pit–type exposures, but applying spatial profiling to human lung tissue and reversing marks in 3D human cultures is relatively new.
Where this research is happening
PITTSBURGH, UNITED STATES
- VETERANS HEALTH ADMINISTRATION — PITTSBURGH, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: SOLOFF, ADAM CHRISTOPHER — VETERANS HEALTH ADMINISTRATION
- Study coordinator: SOLOFF, ADAM CHRISTOPHER
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.
Conditions: Burn injury