Stopping the spread of lung cancer in patients with a specific gene change

Targeting the ROR2/p-GSK3bS9 pathway to suppress metastasis in SMARCA4-deficient lung adenocarcinoma

NIH-funded research Sloan-Kettering Inst Can Research · NIH-11129917

This research aims to find new ways to prevent lung cancer from spreading in patients who have a particular genetic change called SMARCA4 deficiency.

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-11129917 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

Many people with lung cancer face the challenge of the disease spreading to other parts of the body, which is a major cause of death. This project focuses on a specific type of lung cancer, adenocarcinoma, where a gene called SMARCA4 is often changed. When SMARCA4 is altered, it can make the cancer more likely to spread. Our team is exploring a new biological pathway, involving ROR2 and GSK3βS9, that seems to drive this spread in SMARCA4-deficient lung cancer. By understanding and targeting this pathway, we hope to develop new treatments that can stop the cancer from spreading.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: This research is most relevant to patients diagnosed with lung adenocarcinoma, particularly those whose tumors have a SMARCA4 gene deficiency.

Not a fit: Patients with lung cancer types other than adenocarcinoma or those without SMARCA4 deficiency may not directly benefit from this specific research focus.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new treatments that prevent or reduce the spread of lung adenocarcinoma, especially for patients with SMARCA4 gene changes.

How similar studies have performed: While the general concept of targeting cancer pathways is established, this specific approach of targeting the ROR2/p-GSK3βS9 pathway in SMARCA4-deficient lung adenocarcinoma is a novel area of investigation.

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 2026-06-10 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.