Improving lung cancer treatment by targeting genetic changes
Targeting Epigenetic Heterogeneity to Improve Lung Cancer Immunotherapy Response
This study is looking at ways to make immunotherapy work better for people with squamous non-small cell lung cancer by adding a special treatment that affects how genes are turned on and off, and it will help researchers understand why some patients do better than others with these treatments.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Kentucky NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Lexington, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10818203 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates how to enhance the effectiveness of immunotherapy for patients with squamous non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) by using an epigenetic inhibitor. The study aims to combine this inhibitor with existing immunotherapy treatments to improve patient responses. Researchers will analyze tumor samples from both mouse models and human organoid cultures to understand how these treatments affect tumor cells and the surrounding immune environment. By examining the molecular mechanisms involved, the goal is to identify why some patients respond well while others do not.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are patients diagnosed with squamous non-small cell lung cancer who have not responded well to existing treatments.
Not a fit: Patients with other types of lung cancer or those who have not been diagnosed with squamous cell carcinoma may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective treatments for lung cancer patients, potentially improving survival rates and quality of life.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promising results when combining epigenetic inhibitors with immunotherapy in other cancer types, suggesting potential success for this approach in lung cancer as well.
Where this research is happening
Lexington, United States
- University of Kentucky — Lexington, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Brainson, Christine Fillmore — University of Kentucky
- Study coordinator: Brainson, Christine Fillmore
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.