Improving lung cancer treatment by targeting specific immune cells
Official title: Targeting Tumor-Associated Macrophages via Hedgehog Inhibition to Enhance Immunotherapy in Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer
Funded at Ohio State University · NIH-11115022 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at a new way to help people with non-small cell lung cancer by targeting certain immune cells to make cancer treatments work better, and if you join, you might get access to promising new therapies that could improve your health.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Ohio State University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Columbus, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | April 15, 2025 |
| Project end | March 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $234,749 |
| NIH project number | 1R21CA299786-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11115022 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are patients diagnosed with metastatic non-small cell lung cancer who are seeking new treatment options.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with early-stage lung cancer or those who do not have non-small cell lung cancer may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) can be targeted to enhance the effectiveness of immunotherapy. By inhibiting hedgehog signaling in these immune cells, the study aims to improve the recruitment and function of CD8 T cells, which are crucial for fighting cancer. The research will involve a multi-center phase Ib clinical trial to evaluate the combined effects of hedgehog inhibition and anti-PD-L1 therapy on patients with NSCLC. Patients participating in this research may receive new treatment options that could lead to better outcomes.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective immunotherapy treatments for patients with non-small cell lung cancer.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in targeting tumor-associated macrophages to enhance cancer immunotherapy, suggesting that this approach may be effective.
Where this research is happening
-
Ohio State University
Columbus, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Owen, Dwight H. — Ohio State University
- Study coordinator: Owen, Dwight H.
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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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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Integrated blood and radiomics to guide immunotherapy in metastatic NSCLC
A research project aims to use blood tests and advanced imaging patterns to personalize first-line immunotherapy choices for people with metastatic non-small cell lung cancer.
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Blocking a tumor pathway to boost immunotherapy for non-small cell lung cancer
This project will see if adding a drug that blocks the Hedgehog pathway to immune checkpoint therapy helps people with non-small cell lung cancer by restoring the immune system's CD8 T cells inside tumors.
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Improving Immunotherapy for Lung Cancer with CT Scans
This work aims to find new ways to predict which non-small cell lung cancer patients will respond best to immunotherapy using information from their routine CT scans.
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Using CT scans and patient tests to predict who will benefit from PD‑1 immunotherapy
A computer tool combines CT scan features, blood and tumor markers, and clinical data to predict which people with advanced lung or bladder cancer are likely to benefit from PD‑1 immunotherapy.
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.