PD-L1 PET tracer to guide immune therapy in non-small cell lung cancer
Official title: Clinical translation of a PD-L1 PET tracer to optimize immune checkpoint therapy in patients with non-small cell lung cancers
Funded at Johns Hopkins University · NIH-11334314 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A Johns Hopkins team is testing a Gallium-68 PET tracer to better guide immune checkpoint therapy for people with non-small cell lung cancer.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Johns Hopkins University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Baltimore, United States) |
| Project start | June 14, 2022 |
| Project end | May 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $620,981 |
| NIH project number | 5R01CA269235-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-11334314 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults with non-small cell lung cancer who are candidates for immune checkpoint therapy and can undergo PET imaging and biopsy.
✕Less likely to help
Patients unable to undergo PET imaging or biopsy, or those not considered for ICT, may not benefit.
What this research studies
This project aims to use a PET imaging tracer that reports on immune activity to tailor when and how to use immune checkpoint therapy in lung cancer patients. By combining multiple biomarker readouts from imaging and tissue biopsies, the study seeks to overcome limitations of single biomarkers and address tumor heterogeneity. The team will explore how PET imaging can provide real-time, whole-body insights to optimize treatment decisions and timing. The work involves patients undergoing standard care plus advanced imaging to inform future therapy choices.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could help doctors personalize immunotherapy, improving responses and avoiding unnecessary treatments.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies show imaging biomarkers can complement tissue markers, supporting the potential of this approach but the exact multi-biomarker strategy is being tested.
Where this research is happening
-
Johns Hopkins University
Baltimore, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Nimmagadda, Sridhar — Johns Hopkins University
- Study coordinator: Nimmagadda, Sridhar
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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.