NIH-funded research NIH-funded research

Investigating how sphingolipids affect non-small cell lung cancer driven by KRAS mutations

Official title: BCCMA: The Role of Sphingolipids in the Induction & Maintenance of Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer by Oncogenic KRAS

Funded at VA Veterans Administration Hospital · NIH-10951489 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study is looking at how certain fats in the body, called sphingolipids, might affect the growth of non-small cell lung cancer, especially when a specific gene is mutated, to find new ways to treat patients with this tough type of cancer.

Quick facts

Grant typeNIH-funded research
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionVA Veterans Administration Hospital
NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Richmond, United States)
Project startOctober 1, 2023
Project endSeptember 30, 2027
Funding year2025
NIH project number5I01BX006063-02
Project IDNIH-10951489 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 with KRAS mutations.

Less likely to help

Patients with other types of lung cancer or those without KRAS mutations may not benefit from this research.

What this research studies

This research focuses on understanding the role of sphingolipids in the development and maintenance of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), particularly in cases where the KRAS gene is mutated. The team aims to identify specific changes in sphingolipid metabolism that occur during the formation of cancer cells, which could lead to new therapeutic strategies. By using advanced techniques to analyze these metabolic pathways, the research seeks to translate findings from laboratory models to human NSCLC cases. Ultimately, the goal is to explore whether targeting sphingolipid pathways can provide new treatment options for patients with this aggressive form of cancer.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapeutic strategies that improve outcomes for patients with non-small cell lung cancer.

How similar studies have gone: While the role of sphingolipids in cancer is an emerging field, similar research has shown promise in understanding cancer metabolism and developing targeted therapies.

Where this research is happening

  • VA Veterans Administration Hospital
    Richmond, United States
    Active

Researchers

  • Principal investigator: Chalfant, Charles E. — VA Veterans Administration Hospital
  • Study coordinator: Chalfant, Charles E.

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.