Improving immunotherapy for lung cancer
Official title: Project 1: Improving the efficacy of immunotherapy for lung cancer
Funded at Emory University · NIH-11422846 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A team at Emory University is exploring ways to boost how well PD-1–targeted therapies work for people with non-small cell lung cancer.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Emory University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Atlanta, United States) |
| Project start | August 18, 2026 |
| Project end | July 31, 2031 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $463,983 |
| NIH project number | 1P50CA302567-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11422846 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Patients with non-small cell lung cancer treated with PD-1–targeted therapies, especially those whose tumors show features of stem-like CD8 T cells.
✕Less likely to help
Patients whose cancer biology does not involve stem-like CD8 T cells or who cannot receive PD-1–targeted therapies may not benefit.
What this research studies
This project looks at a special type of CD8 T cell that helps sustain immune responses during cancer treatment and how it can be boosted to improve outcomes in NSCLC. Researchers plan to study the molecular signals and cell interactions that control these stem-like T cells, including the role of CD28 co-stimulation. The goal is to identify therapies that enhance the CD8 T cell response when patients receive PD-1 blockade, potentially leading to stronger and longer-lasting tumor control. The work combines laboratory studies with analyses that could translate into better treatment strategies for patients in the future.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, patients with NSCLC could experience stronger responses to immunotherapy and longer-lasting control of their cancer.
How similar studies have gone: Previous work has identified stem-like CD8 T cells as important sources of response to PD-1 blockade in both models and human cancers, supporting potential and relevance of this approach.
Where this research is happening
-
Emory University
Atlanta, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Ahmed, Rafi — Emory University
- Study coordinator: Ahmed, Rafi
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Biomarkers to predict and improve immunotherapy response in lung cancer
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Targeting GARP-TGFβ to Improve Immunotherapy in NSCLC
A new antibody approach aims to block a key TGFβ-related pathway in the tumor environment to help people with non-small cell lung cancer respond better to therapy.
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Targeting DHX9 to boost viral-like immune response in Small Cell Lung Cancer
A scientist team is testing whether blocking a protein called DHX9 can make aggressive small cell lung cancer more visible to the immune system and more responsive to immunotherapy.
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A scientist team will study whether specific microbes inside lung tumors and immune cells can predict who will respond to immunotherapy in lung cancer.
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Harnessing Exercise to Improve Immunotherapy for Lung Cancer
A clinical study tests whether a structured exercise program can boost how well lung cancer patients respond to immunotherapy and reduce treatment-related side effects.
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Lung cancer immunotherapy with new CD4+ T cell receptor technology
A patient-focused cancer treatment project is testing a new type of engineered CD4+ T cells to help fight non-small cell lung cancer in people whose disease has progressed.
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.