Stopping lung adenocarcinoma cells from changing into treatment-resistant forms
Targeting plasticity in lung cancer
['FUNDING_R01'] · SLOAN-KETTERING INST CAN RESEARCH · NIH-11248406
This project tries to stop lung adenocarcinoma cells from changing into treatment-resistant forms to help people with this type of lung cancer.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | SLOAN-KETTERING INST CAN RESEARCH (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (NEW YORK, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11248406 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
Researchers are focusing on a small group of lung adenocarcinoma cells that can switch states and survive treatment, called the high-plasticity cell state (HPCS). They use genetically engineered mouse models and samples from human tumors along with single-cell RNA sequencing to map how tumors evolve and which cells become HPCS. Laboratory tools including CRISPR will be used to test which genes drive this plasticity and whether blocking them prevents resistance. The overall aim is to uncover targets that could be turned into therapies to keep tumors sensitive to existing treatments.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with lung adenocarcinoma, especially those whose tumors show signs of treatment resistance or the high-plasticity signature, would be the most relevant candidates for related future trials or sample donation.
Not a fit: Patients with non-adenocarcinoma lung cancers or tumors that lack the high-plasticity signature are less likely to get benefit from approaches developed here.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could reduce relapses and make current therapies work better by preventing cancer cells from shifting into resistant states.
How similar studies have performed: Prior research suggests targeting cell plasticity is promising, but direct therapies aimed at this specific high-plasticity state remain largely experimental and not yet proven in patients.
Where this research is happening
NEW YORK, UNITED STATES
- SLOAN-KETTERING INST CAN RESEARCH — NEW YORK, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: TAMMELA, TUOMAS — SLOAN-KETTERING INST CAN RESEARCH
- Study coordinator: TAMMELA, TUOMAS
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 below.