New drugs targeting mutated p53 proteins to treat lung cancer.
Official title: Novel inhibitors of oncogenic p53 mutants for lung cancer therapy.
Funded at Virginia Commonwealth University · NIH-10758594 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking for new treatments for lung cancer by creating small drugs that can specifically target and shut down the faulty versions of a protein called p53, which often helps cancer cells grow. The goal is to find ways to kill only the cancer cells with these mutations while leaving healthy cells alone, making treatments safer and more effective for lung cancer patients.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Virginia Commonwealth University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Richmond, United States) |
| Project start | December 30, 2022 |
| Project end | November 30, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $172,376 |
| NIH project number | 5R21CA267971-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10758594 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are lung cancer patients who have been diagnosed with tumors harboring gain-of-function p53 mutations.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with lung cancer who do not have p53 mutations or those with other types of lung cancer may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing small molecule inhibitors that specifically target and inactivate mutated forms of the p53 protein, which are commonly found in aggressive lung cancers. By using advanced genomic analyses, the team aims to understand how these mutations contribute to cancer cell growth and survival. The goal is to create therapies that selectively kill cancer cells with these mutations while sparing normal cells, potentially leading to more effective treatments for lung cancer patients. The research will involve testing these inhibitors in both laboratory and animal models to evaluate their effectiveness.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new targeted therapies that significantly improve treatment outcomes for lung cancer patients with p53 mutations.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in targeting p53 mutations in cancer, suggesting that this approach could be effective, although this specific strategy is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
Virginia Commonwealth University
Richmond, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Deb, Swati P. — Virginia Commonwealth University
- Study coordinator: Deb, Swati P.
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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.