Targeted approaches for lung squamous cell carcinoma with key gene changes
Official title: Translational models for targetable genetic alterations in lung squamous cell carcinoma
Funded at University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh · NIH-11449092 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A study at a major university is exploring new targets in lung squamous cell carcinoma to help people with this cancer find better treatments.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R37 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Pittsburgh, United States) |
| Project start | September 18, 2026 |
| Project end | August 31, 2031 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $634,926 |
| NIH project number | 1R37CA308966-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11449092 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Patients with lung squamous cell carcinoma or specific genetic alterations in the studied pathway may benefit from future translational advances.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with other lung cancer subtypes or without these genetic changes may not directly benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This project uses advanced lung cell models to mimic the genetic changes seen in human LUSC and test potential targeted therapies. Researchers will examine how alterations in genes like ACTL6A, ARID1A, and TP53 influence tumor behavior in laboratory models derived from lung tissue. The work aims to develop model systems that closely reflect human LUSC biology to guide future treatment strategies.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the work could lead to targeted treatment options for people with LUSC.
How similar studies have gone: Prior work shows that better models of human cancer can accelerate development of targeted therapies, though direct clinical success in LUSC remains an area of active investigation.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Zhang, Hua — University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh
- Study coordinator: Zhang, Hua
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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.