NIH-funded research NIH-funded research

Improving immune response in lung cancer by targeting low oxygen levels in tumors

Official title: Targeting mitochondrial oxygen demand to overcome hypoxic immune privilege of NSCLC tumors

Funded at Ohio State University · NIH-10808602 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study is looking at how low oxygen levels in lung cancer tumors can make it harder for the immune system to fight the cancer, and it aims to find new ways to boost the immune response to improve treatment options for patients with non-small cell lung cancer.

More NSCLC research and trials

Quick facts

Grant typeNIH-funded research
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionOhio State University
NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Columbus, UNITED STATES)
Project startSeptember 1, 2024
Project endAugust 31, 2027
Funding year2024
Award (this year)$183,398
NIH project number1K22CA282363-01A1
Project IDNIH-10808602 on NIH RePORTER

Who could benefit from this research

Could help

Ideal candidates for this research are patients diagnosed with non-small cell lung cancer who are experiencing treatment resistance.

Less likely to help

Patients with other types of lung cancer or those who are not currently undergoing treatment for NSCLC may not benefit from this research.

What this research studies

This research investigates how low oxygen levels in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) tumors affect the immune system's ability to fight cancer. It focuses on understanding the mechanisms behind treatment resistance and aims to develop new therapies that can enhance the effectiveness of existing immunotherapies. By studying the behavior of immune cells in the hypoxic tumor environment, the research seeks to identify ways to improve immune cell function and increase their infiltration into tumors. Patients may benefit from novel treatment strategies that could lead to better outcomes in managing NSCLC.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatment options for patients with non-small cell lung cancer, potentially increasing survival rates and quality of life.

How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in targeting tumor hypoxia to enhance immune responses, suggesting that this approach could be effective in NSCLC as well.

Where this research is happening

  • Ohio State University
    Columbus, United States
    Active

Researchers

  • Principal investigator: Benej, Martin — Ohio State University
  • Study coordinator: Benej, Martin

Related research

Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.

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.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 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.