Identifying drug targets to eliminate cancer persister cells

Elucidate the landscape of druggable targets for eliminating cancer persister cells

NIH-funded research University of California, San Francisco · NIH-11107543

This study is looking at how some stubborn cancer cells manage to survive treatment and cause tumors to come back, with the goal of finding new ways to target and eliminate these cells, which could help people with a specific type of lung cancer.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of California, San Francisco NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (San Francisco, United States)
Project IDNIH-11107543 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates how certain cancer cells, known as persister cells, survive treatment and contribute to tumor recurrence. By understanding the signals that allow these cells to persist, the study aims to identify drug targets that can effectively eliminate them. The approach includes using advanced techniques to analyze cancer cell behavior and employing artificial intelligence to generate new treatment hypotheses. This could lead to more effective therapies for patients with KRAS-mutant non-small cell lung cancer.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are patients with KRAS-mutant non-small cell lung cancer who are undergoing targeted therapy.

Not a fit: Patients with other types of cancer or those who do not have KRAS mutations may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more durable cancer treatments that prevent tumor recurrence.

How similar studies have performed: Other research has shown promise in targeting persister cells, but this approach aims to provide novel insights and tools for treatment.

Where this research is happening

San Francisco, 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 cancer cellCancer Modelcancer progression
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 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.