Investigating a new target for treating non-small cell lung cancer

Characterizing the XRN1 exoribonuclease as a therapeutic target in non-small cell lung cancer

['FUNDING_CAREER'] · DANA-FARBER CANCER INST · NIH-10879043

This study is looking at a new way to help people with non-small cell lung cancer by targeting a specific protein called XRN1, to see if turning it off can make cancer cells weaker and improve the success of current immunotherapy treatments.

Quick facts

Phase['FUNDING_CAREER']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorDANA-FARBER CANCER INST (nih funded)
Locations1 site (BOSTON, UNITED STATES)
Trial IDNIH-10879043 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this research studies

This research focuses on non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), a major cause of cancer deaths. It aims to explore the role of the XRN1 exoribonuclease, which is involved in RNA degradation, as a potential therapeutic target. The study will evaluate how inactivating XRN1 affects cancer cell survival and whether it can enhance the effectiveness of existing immunotherapies. By using both human cell lines and mouse models, the research seeks to uncover new treatment strategies for patients who currently have limited options.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are patients diagnosed with non-small cell lung cancer, particularly those who have not benefited from existing targeted therapies or immunotherapies.

Not a fit: Patients with other types of lung cancer or those whose NSCLC has actionable genetic alterations may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatment options for patients with non-small cell lung cancer who do not respond to current therapies.

How similar studies have performed: While the approach of targeting XRN1 in NSCLC is novel, similar strategies targeting other molecular pathways have shown promise in cancer treatment.

Where this research is happening

BOSTON, UNITED STATES

Researchers

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 below.

View on NIH RePORTER →

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 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.