New Ways to Find and Treat Lung and Prostate Neuroendocrine Cancers

Characterizing the theranostic potential of DLL3-targeting agents in high-grade neuroendocrine carcinomas of the lung and prostate

NIH-funded research Sloan-Kettering Inst Can Research · NIH-11129769

This research explores new ways to find and treat aggressive lung and prostate neuroendocrine cancers by targeting a specific protein called DLL3.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionSloan-Kettering Inst Can Research NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (New York, United States)
Project IDNIH-11129769 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

Small cell lung cancer (SCLC) and neuroendocrine prostate cancer (NEPC) are very aggressive forms of cancer that often spread and are difficult to treat. Current therapies don't always work well, so finding new approaches is crucial. This project focuses on a protein called DLL3, which is found on the surface of these specific cancer cells but is mostly hidden inside normal cells. Researchers plan to develop special antibodies that can attach to DLL3, allowing them to both locate the cancer using imaging and deliver targeted radiation directly to the cancer cells for treatment.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: This research is most relevant for patients diagnosed with aggressive forms of lung cancer, specifically small cell lung cancer (SCLC), or neuroendocrine prostate cancer (NEPC).

Not a fit: Patients with other types of cancer or those with early-stage, non-neuroendocrine lung or prostate cancers may not directly benefit from this specific approach.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to more precise ways to detect and treat aggressive lung and prostate neuroendocrine cancers, potentially improving patient outcomes.

How similar studies have performed: While the concept of targeted antibodies for cancer treatment is established, this specific approach using DLL3-targeted radiolabeled antibodies for both diagnosis and therapy in these particular cancers is a novel strategy.

Where this research is happening

New York, United States

Researchers

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 below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 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.