How the tumor environment affects TKI treatment for lung cancer
Tumor Microenvironment Determinants of TKI Response in Oncogene-Driven Lung Cancer
['FUNDING_CAREER'] · UNIVERSITY OF COLORADO DENVER · NIH-11146623
This research explores how immune cells in the tumor affect how well a specific lung cancer treatment works for patients with ALK-positive non-small cell lung cancer.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_CAREER'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | UNIVERSITY OF COLORADO DENVER (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (Aurora, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11146623 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
For patients with ALK-positive non-small cell lung cancer, certain medications called tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) like alectinib have greatly improved survival. However, the effectiveness of these treatments can vary among patients, with some seeing better tumor shrinkage than others. This project looks into how the immune system, specifically certain immune cells within the tumor's surroundings, might influence how well these TKI drugs work. We are particularly interested in how neutrophils, a type of white blood cell, might hinder the anti-cancer activity of other immune cells called CD8+ T cells, potentially leading to less effective treatment.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This research is relevant for patients with ALK-positive non-small cell lung cancer who are receiving or considering tyrosine kinase inhibitor therapy.
Not a fit: Patients without ALK-positive non-small cell lung cancer or those not treated with tyrosine kinase inhibitors would likely not directly benefit from this specific research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new ways to improve TKI treatment for ALK-positive lung cancer patients by targeting the immune cells that interfere with the therapy.
How similar studies have performed: While TKIs have shown success, the role of the tumor microenvironment and specific immune cells in determining TKI response variability is an area of ongoing and relatively novel investigation.
Where this research is happening
Aurora, UNITED STATES
- UNIVERSITY OF COLORADO DENVER — Aurora, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: SCHENK, ERIN L — UNIVERSITY OF COLORADO DENVER
- Study coordinator: SCHENK, ERIN L
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.