NIH-funded research R01 grant

Predicting outcomes and side effects of radiation therapy for lung cancer using molecular markers

Official title: Molecularly-based outcome and toxicity prediction after radiotherapy for lung cancer

Funded at Stanford University · NIH-10829420 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study is looking to make radiation therapy better for people with non-small cell lung cancer by using special tests to understand how their cancer is responding during treatment, so they can get the most effective care with fewer side effects.

More Lung Cancer research and trials

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionStanford University
NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Stanford, United States)
Project startAugust 1, 2020
Project endApril 30, 2026
Funding year2024
Award (this year)$597,876
NIH project number5R01CA254179-05
Project IDNIH-10829420 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 who are undergoing radiation therapy.

Less likely to help

Patients with other types of lung cancer or those not receiving radiation therapy may not benefit from this research.

What this research studies

This research focuses on improving treatment for patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) by using molecular biomarkers to personalize radiation therapy (RT). The study aims to identify changes in circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) during treatment to predict patient outcomes and potential side effects. By developing personalized risk models, the researchers hope to enhance the effectiveness of RT and minimize toxicity for patients. This approach represents a shift towards precision medicine in oncology, specifically tailored for lung cancer patients undergoing radiation therapy.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective and safer radiation therapy for lung cancer patients, improving their treatment outcomes and quality of life.

How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in using molecular markers for predicting treatment outcomes in various cancers, suggesting that this approach could be effective for lung cancer as well.

Where this research is happening

  • Stanford University
    Stanford, United States
    Active

Researchers

  • Principal investigator: Diehn, Maximilian — Stanford University
  • Study coordinator: Diehn, Maximilian

Related research

Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.

  • Safer lung cancer radiotherapy with smart AI helpers

    A new AI-based method aims to precisely map tumors and nearby organs during lung cancer radiotherapy to reduce side effects and improve outcomes.

    NIH research Sloan-Kettering Inst Can Research · New York, United States · NIH-11360594

  • PET/CT scans and blood tests to guide immunotherapy, chemotherapy, and focused radiation for metastatic lung cancer

    This project combines PET/CT imaging and blood immune tests to help identify which people with metastatic non‑small cell lung cancer will benefit from immunotherapy plus chemotherapy and targeted radiation.

    NIH research University of Washington · Seattle, United States · NIH-11237966

  • Improving lung cancer radiation treatment with AI

    This work aims to make radiation treatment for lung cancer safer and more effective by using new artificial intelligence tools.

    NIH research Sloan-Kettering Inst Can Research · New York, United States · NIH-11089500

  • Using AI to improve radiation therapy for lung cancer

    This study is looking at how to use artificial intelligence to make better images for radiation therapy in patients with early-stage non-small cell lung cancer, so that doctors can more accurately target the treatment as the tumor changes, which could lead to better results for you.

    NIH research Emory University · Atlanta, United States · NIH-11079640

  • Investigating how imaging and blood tests can predict responses to lung cancer treatments

    This study is looking at how well patients with advanced lung cancer respond to a mix of chemotherapy and immunotherapy by using special imaging and blood tests, with the goal of personalizing treatments to help improve survival and reduce side effects.

    NIH research University of Washington · Seattle, United States · NIH-10992106

  • Yoga program for lung cancer patients and their caregivers

    This study is looking at how a special yoga program can help lung cancer patients and their family caregivers feel better during treatment by improving their physical health and emotional well-being.

    NIH research University of Tx Md Anderson Can Ctr · Houston, United States · NIH-10818157

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.