How lung adenocarcinoma spreads and hides from the immune system

Mediators of Lung Adenocarcinoma Metastasis

['FUNDING_P01'] · SLOAN-KETTERING INST CAN RESEARCH · NIH-11265091

This work looks at the specific lung cancer cells that let tumors spread and survive so better ways to prevent relapse can be found.

Quick facts

Phase['FUNDING_P01']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorSLOAN-KETTERING INST CAN RESEARCH (nih funded)
Locations1 site (NEW YORK, UNITED STATES)
Trial IDNIH-11265091 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this research studies

Researchers study the particular lung adenocarcinoma cells that can break away, survive many stresses, and later regrow tumors, using both human tumor samples and mouse models that mimic patient disease. They track cell states using markers such as SOX2 and SOX9 and study how some cells enter a quiet, immune‑hiding state by lowering immune signals like STING, NK ligands, and MHC‑II. Lab experiments and animal models are used to follow which cells resist therapy and cause metastasis, with the goal of finding points to block relapse and improve treatment responses.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: People with lung adenocarcinoma—particularly those with metastatic or recurrent disease or those able to donate tumor tissue or blood—would be most relevant to this research.

Not a fit: Patients with cancers other than lung adenocarcinoma or those unwilling to provide samples are unlikely to benefit directly from this specific project, and it does not promise immediate new treatments.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to therapies or tests that reduce metastatic relapse and make treatments work longer for people with lung adenocarcinoma.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have identified metastasis‑initiating cell features and immune‑evasion behaviors, but turning those findings into widely available patient treatments remains at an early, developing stage.

Where this research is happening

NEW YORK, 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.

View on NIH RePORTER →

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 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.