How aging affects lung cells and cancer development

Progenitor cell states contributing to aging and lung cancer

NIH-funded research Harvard Medical School · NIH-10899479

This study is looking at how getting older affects certain lung cells and their connection to lung cancer, hoping to find new ways to prevent cancer as we age.

Quick facts

Grant typeU01 cooperative agreement
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionHarvard Medical School NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Boston, United States)
Project IDNIH-10899479 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates how aging influences lung progenitor cells and their role in lung cancer development. By examining metabolic and epigenetic changes in these cells, the study aims to understand how these alterations contribute to increased cancer risk as people age. The researchers will utilize advanced technologies to analyze these changes at a cellular level and develop new organoid models to simulate lung cancer initiation. This approach could provide insights into the mechanisms linking aging and cancer, potentially leading to new prevention strategies.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are older adults, particularly those at risk for lung cancer due to age-related changes.

Not a fit: Patients who are younger than 21 or do not have risk factors for lung cancer may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved understanding and prevention strategies for lung cancer in older adults.

How similar studies have performed: Other research has shown promising results in understanding the relationship between aging and cancer, making this approach both relevant and potentially impactful.

Where this research is happening

Boston, 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 Brain CancerBreast CancerCancer CauseCancer EtiologyCancers
Last reviewed 2026-06-09 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.