Preventing lung cancer by studying early changes in lung cells
Official title: Modeling lung squamous cell carcinoma premalignancy and prevention
Funded at University of Colorado Denver · NIH-11096632 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking for ways to stop lung cancer before it starts by using a special mouse model that simulates how humans are affected by cigarette smoke, and it aims to find effective prevention methods that could help people at risk of developing lung squamous cell carcinoma.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Colorado Denver NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Aurora, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | April 1, 2025 |
| Project end | March 31, 2030 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $602,315 |
| NIH project number | 1R01CA298925-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11096632 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals at high risk for lung cancer, particularly those with a history of smoking or exposure to harmful substances.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who have already been diagnosed with advanced lung cancer may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on preventing lung squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) by investigating changes in lung cells at the premalignant stage. The team is developing a novel mouse model that mimics human exposure to cigarette smoke and uses it to test potential prevention agents. By validating this model with human data, the researchers aim to identify effective strategies to stop the progression of premalignant lesions into cancer. This approach seeks to improve the translation of laboratory findings into clinical applications for lung cancer prevention.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to effective prevention strategies for lung cancer, significantly reducing mortality rates.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in using preclinical models for lung cancer prevention, indicating that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Colorado Denver
Aurora, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Tennis, Meredith a — University of Colorado Denver
- Study coordinator: Tennis, Meredith a
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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.