Targeting DNA replication stress in small cell lung cancer
Investigating and Targeting Replication Stress in Small Cell Lung Cancer
Researchers are developing treatments that attack weaknesses in how small cell lung cancer copies its DNA to help patients whose tumors stop responding to chemotherapy.
Quick facts
| Grant type | P01 program project |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | New York University School of Medicine NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New York, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11171379 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
As a person with small cell lung cancer, I would learn that researchers are working to understand why tumors stop responding to standard chemotherapy by studying a protein called SLFN11 and other DNA replication stress pathways. They will examine tumor samples and cancer cell lines and use laboratory models to see how these pathways change as cancers become chemo-resistant, and they will test drugs that interfere with DNA replication forks. The team will combine these lab findings to design strategies aimed at restoring chemo sensitivity or creating new targeted therapies. If those strategies look promising, patients like me might be invited to future clinical trials that test them.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with small cell lung cancer, particularly those whose cancer has returned or progressed after standard platinum-based chemotherapy, are the most likely candidates.
Not a fit: Patients with non–small cell lung cancer or other unrelated conditions would not be expected to benefit from this SCLC-focused work.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Could lead to treatments that prevent or overcome chemotherapy resistance in small cell lung cancer, potentially improving response rates and survival.
How similar studies have performed: Preclinical work and some early clinical evidence suggest targeting replication stress and SLFN11-related pathways can make tumors more chemo-sensitive, but durable benefits in small cell lung cancer have not yet been widely demonstrated.
Where this research is happening
New York, United States
- New York University School of Medicine — New York, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Huang, Tony Tung — New York University School of Medicine
- Study coordinator: Huang, Tony Tung
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.