Lowering tumor oxygen use to overcome resistance in non-small cell lung cancer
Overcoming Hypoxic Resistance in Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer By Targeting Mitochondrial Metabolism
['FUNDING_R01'] · OHIO STATE UNIVERSITY · NIH-11158665
This work tests whether drugs that reduce how much oxygen lung tumors consume can help radiation and immunotherapy work better for people with non-small cell lung cancer.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | OHIO STATE UNIVERSITY (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (Columbus, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11158665 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
From a patient's perspective, the team is repurposing an FDA-approved drug called papaverine and new related compounds to lower tumor oxygen use so tumors are less 'hypoxic.' They study these drugs in laboratory cell lines and animal models to see if lowering oxygen demand makes radiation and immune checkpoint treatments more effective. Early lab results show less immune suppression inside tumors and better responses to PD-1 immunotherapy without making well-oxygenated normal tissues more sensitive. The group aims to translate these findings toward treatments that could be tested in patients in future clinical trials.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with non-small cell lung cancer—especially those whose tumors are resistant to radiation or immunotherapy or suspected to be low in oxygen—are the most likely candidates for related clinical testing.
Not a fit: Patients with other cancer types unrelated to lung tumors, people whose tumors are already well-oxygenated, or those who cannot tolerate drugs that target mitochondria may not benefit from this approach.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could make radiation and immunotherapy more effective against hard-to-treat lung tumors and improve patient outcomes.
How similar studies have performed: Previous clinical efforts to increase tumor oxygen have had limited success, while preclinical work repurposing mitochondrial inhibitors like papaverine has shown promising results but clinical testing in patients is still novel.
Where this research is happening
Columbus, UNITED STATES
- OHIO STATE UNIVERSITY — Columbus, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: DENKO, NICHOLAS C. — OHIO STATE UNIVERSITY
- Study coordinator: DENKO, NICHOLAS C.
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 below.
Conditions: Cancer Model, Cancer Patient, Cancer Treatment, CancerModel, Cancers