Targeting a newly discovered cancer stem cell driver that helps non-small cell lung cancer spread
Official title: Identification of a novel targetable cancer stem cell regulator promoting cancer progression and metastasis in non-small cell lung cancer
Funded at Duke University · NIH-11258495 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This project will test whether blocking a newly found regulator in cancer stem cells can slow progression and spread of non-small cell lung cancer.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Duke University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Durham, United States) |
| Project start | February 9, 2023 |
| Project end | January 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $506,902 |
| NIH project number | 5R01CA270617-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-11258495 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
People with advanced or metastatic non-small cell lung cancer, particularly those whose tumors show high levels of the implicated regulator (for example CD47) or who have developed resistance to current treatments, would be the most relevant candidates.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with cancers other than non-small cell lung cancer or those with early-stage disease unlikely to metastasize, or whose tumors lack the target regulator, may not benefit from this work.
What this research studies
Researchers will study tumor samples and laboratory models of non-small cell lung cancer to find and characterize a molecular regulator that helps cancer stem cells drive growth and metastasis. They will use CRISPR gene-editing and related molecular tools to turn this regulator on or off and observe effects on tumor behaviour, drug resistance, and interactions with the immune system. Work will include cell-based experiments and animal models to see if targeting the regulator reduces metastasis and improves response to existing therapies. The team aims to identify actionable ways to block the regulator, such as antibodies or small molecules, to support future clinical testing.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new treatments that reduce metastasis and overcome therapy resistance in advanced non-small cell lung cancer.
How similar studies have gone: Related strategies such as blocking CD47 and targeting cancer stem cells have shown promise in preclinical studies and early clinical trials, but directly targeting stem-cell regulators with CRISPR-based approaches is still mainly at the preclinical stage.
Where this research is happening
-
Duke University
Durham, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Lin, Hui-Kuan — Duke University
- Study coordinator: Lin, Hui-Kuan
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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.