NIH-funded research R21 grant

Improving the effectiveness of Tarlatamab for treating small cell lung cancer

Official title: A Novel Approach to Enhance Therapeutic Efficacy of Tarlatamab for Small Cell Lung Cancer Treatment

Funded at University of Alabama at Birmingham · NIH-11093082 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study is looking to make the cancer treatment Tarlatamab work better for people with small cell lung cancer by figuring out what helps some patients respond well to it, so they can create more personalized and effective treatment plans.

More Lung Cancer research and trials

Quick facts

Grant typeR21 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Alabama at Birmingham
NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Birmingham, United States)
Project startApril 1, 2025
Project endMarch 31, 2027
Funding year2025
Award (this year)$208,271
NIH project number1R21CA298890-01
Project IDNIH-11093082 on NIH RePORTER

Who could benefit from this research

Could help

Ideal candidates for this research are patients diagnosed with small cell lung cancer who have previously received treatment and are seeking new therapeutic options.

Less likely to help

Patients with other types of lung cancer or those who have not been previously treated for small cell lung cancer may not benefit from this research.

What this research studies

This research focuses on enhancing the therapeutic effects of Tarlatamab, a bispecific T-cell engager antibody, for patients with small cell lung cancer (SCLC). The study aims to identify molecular factors that influence how well patients respond to Tarlatamab, which targets specific cancer cells and activates the immune system to fight the tumor. By understanding these drivers of response, the research seeks to optimize treatment strategies and improve patient outcomes. The approach involves analyzing patient samples and utilizing advanced technologies like CRISPR to better tailor therapies.

Why it matters

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

How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results with bispecific T-cell engagers in other cancers, indicating potential for success with this novel approach in small cell lung cancer.

Where this research is happening

  • University of Alabama at Birmingham
    Birmingham, United States
    Active

Researchers

  • Principal investigator: Wajapeyee, Narendra — University of Alabama at Birmingham
  • Study coordinator: Wajapeyee, Narendra

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.