How tissue around non-small cell lung tumors helps them resist targeted drugs
Project 2: Delta Stromal Ecology of NSCLC
This project seeks to understand how the tissue surrounding non-small cell lung cancer tumors helps them survive ALK- and KRAS-targeted drugs so better drug combinations can be found for people with these tumors.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Ctr & Res Inst NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Tampa, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11178430 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
From a patient's perspective, researchers are tracking how cancer cells and the nearby stromal (supporting) tissue change over time as tumors become resistant to ALK and KRAS targeted therapies. They will use laboratory tumor grafts (xenografts), genetic tools, and detailed cell-level measurements to follow changes in growth, death, and clonal makeup. Those experimental data will be combined with computer (in silico) models that are calibrated to the lab results so the team can make and test predictions. The calibrated models will be used to explore and prioritize combination therapy strategies aimed at maintaining long-term remission.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with non-small cell lung cancer driven by ALK or KRAS alterations, or those interested in trials that target tumor-stroma interactions, would be most relevant to this research.
Not a fit: Patients with other types of lung cancer without ALK or KRAS alterations, or those seeking immediate changes to their care, are unlikely to get direct benefit from this preclinical project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could identify combination treatments that prevent or delay resistance, leading to longer-lasting remissions for people with ALK- or KRAS-driven NSCLC.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown the tumor microenvironment can drive drug resistance, but combining time-resolved lab data with predictive computer models to design therapy schedules is a newer and less-tested approach.
Where this research is happening
Tampa, United States
- H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Ctr & Res Inst — Tampa, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Marusyk, Andriy — H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Ctr & Res Inst
- Study coordinator: Marusyk, Andriy
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.