Investigating how lung cancer cells change to resist treatment
Official title: Targeting molecular mechanisms of the adeno-to-squamous transition in non-small cell lung cancer treatment adaptation
Funded at New York University School of Medicine · NIH-11028389 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how non-small cell lung cancer can change to resist a specific treatment called adagrasib, and it aims to find ways to stop this change so that patients can have better treatment options.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | New York University School of Medicine NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New York, United States) |
| Project start | January 16, 2025 |
| Project end | December 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $703,410 |
| NIH project number | 1R01CA296978-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11028389 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are patients diagnosed with non-small cell lung cancer, particularly those who have shown resistance to targeted therapies.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with other types of lung cancer or those who have not undergone targeted therapy may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding how non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cells can adapt and change their characteristics to resist targeted therapies, particularly in response to a drug called adagrasib. The team aims to identify the molecular mechanisms behind this transition from adenocarcinoma to squamous cell carcinoma, which is a form of cellular plasticity that complicates treatment. By using advanced models, including mouse and organoid systems, the researchers will explore how specific chromatin regulators influence this transition and how blocking these regulators might improve treatment outcomes. The goal is to develop new therapeutic strategies that can prevent or overcome resistance to existing cancer treatments.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective treatments for patients with non-small cell lung cancer who currently face challenges with drug resistance.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promise in targeting cellular plasticity in cancer, suggesting that this approach could lead to significant advancements in treatment.
Where this research is happening
-
New York University School of Medicine
New York, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Yanai, Itai — New York University School of Medicine
- Study coordinator: Yanai, Itai
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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.