Targeting drug-resistant cancer cells to improve treatment outcomes

Project 3

NIH-funded research Dana-Farber Cancer Inst · NIH-10891399

This study is looking at patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer who have certain genetic changes, and it aims to find ways to target stubborn cancer cells that survive treatment and can make the cancer harder to treat, with the hope of improving current therapies.

Quick facts

Grant typeNIH-funded research
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionDana-Farber Cancer Inst NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Boston, United States)
Project IDNIH-10891399 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research focuses on advanced non-small cell lung cancer patients whose tumors have specific genetic mutations. It aims to understand and target a small population of drug-tolerant persister (DTP) cells that survive initial treatments and can lead to drug resistance. By identifying the mechanisms that allow these cells to persist, the research seeks to develop new therapeutic strategies to eliminate them before they can cause further resistance. This approach could potentially improve the effectiveness of existing cancer therapies.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer who have tumors with targetable genetic mutations.

Not a fit: Patients without advanced non-small cell lung cancer or those whose tumors do not harbor targetable genetic mutations may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective treatments for lung cancer patients by preventing the development of drug resistance.

How similar studies have performed: While targeting drug-resistant cancer cells is a novel approach, previous research has shown promise in understanding and addressing mechanisms of drug resistance in cancer treatment.

Where this research is happening

Boston, 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 2026-06-13 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.