Investigating how p53 controls cell death in small cell lung cancer
Official title: Context dependent tumor suppression
Funded at University of Pennsylvania · NIH-11004963 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at a new way that cancer cells in small cell lung cancer can die, focusing on a protein called p53, to find out how we might use this knowledge to create better treatments for patients.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pennsylvania NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Philadelphia, United States) |
| Project start | January 1, 2024 |
| Project end | December 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $454,922 |
| NIH project number | 5R01CA279698-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11004963 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 may benefit from novel therapeutic strategies targeting p53.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with other types of cancer or those whose tumors do not involve the p53 pathway may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding a new type of cell death regulated by the p53 protein in small cell lung cancer (SCLC), which is known to be particularly aggressive. Using genetically engineered mouse models, the researchers will explore how p53 can be turned on and off to study its effects on tumor cells. They aim to uncover the molecular mechanisms behind this unique cell death process, which differs from traditional apoptosis, and may involve new therapeutic targets. The study will also examine how this process can be influenced by small molecule inhibitors.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments for small cell lung cancer that more effectively induce tumor cell death.
How similar studies have gone: While the specific approach of targeting p53 in this manner is novel, there have been successful studies exploring p53's role in cancer therapy, indicating potential for impactful findings.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Pennsylvania
Philadelphia, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Feldser, David — University of Pennsylvania
- Study coordinator: Feldser, David
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.