Targeting lung cancer cells with a new small-molecule treatment
Official title: Targeting non-small cell lung cancer cells and the adverse tumor microenvironment with a small-molecule STAT3 inhibitor
Funded at University of Tx Md Anderson Can Ctr · NIH-11002302 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing a new treatment called TTI-101 for people with advanced non-small cell lung cancer, aiming to see if it can help improve their outcomes by blocking a protein that makes the cancer worse.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Tx Md Anderson Can Ctr NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Houston, United States) |
| Project start | December 19, 2023 |
| Project end | November 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $604,615 |
| NIH project number | 5R01CA279452-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11002302 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are patients diagnosed with advanced or refractory non-small cell lung cancer who have not responded well to existing therapies.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with early-stage lung cancer or those whose cancer is not classified as non-small cell lung cancer may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing a new treatment for non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) by using a small-molecule inhibitor called TTI-101 that targets a protein known as STAT3. Elevated levels of STAT3 are linked to poor outcomes in NSCLC, and this study aims to block its activity to improve treatment responses. The approach involves both laboratory studies and clinical trials to assess the safety and effectiveness of TTI-101 in patients with advanced lung cancer. Patients may be monitored for tumor growth and any adverse effects during the treatment process.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to a more effective treatment option for patients with non-small cell lung cancer, potentially improving survival rates.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have shown promise with similar approaches targeting STAT3 in cancer treatment, indicating potential for success in this novel application.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Tx Md Anderson Can Ctr
Houston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Tweardy, David John — University of Tx Md Anderson Can Ctr
- Study coordinator: Tweardy, David John
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
ABL kinase signaling and DNA collisions in small cell lung cancer
A drug target study in small cell lung cancer explores how blocking ABL kinase affects conflicts between transcription and DNA replication, which could influence tumor growth and survival.
-
XRN1 as a potential therapy target in lung cancer
A scientist-led program will study a cellular gene called XRN1 to see if turning it off can help treat non-small cell lung cancer.
-
Intermittent fasting with PD-1 inhibitors for non-small cell lung cancer
This grant tests whether a fasting-mimicking diet can boost the effectiveness of PD-1 inhibitors for people with non-small cell lung cancer.
-
Targeting STRAP to curb NSCLC spread with nanoparticle therapy
Aimed at non-small cell lung cancer, this grant tests how blocking a protein called STRAP with nanoparticles could slow cancer spread and make chemotherapy work better.
-
Modeling tumor differences to guide new treatments for resistant small cell lung cancer
A study aims to understand why some small cell lung cancer tumors resist treatment and use those insights to develop new targeted therapies.
-
TP53-mutant NSCLC: how epigenetic viral mimicry could boost immune therapy
A research grant exploring how p53 mutations in non-small cell lung cancer affect responses to a viral mimicry-based epigenetic therapy, with the goal of improving immune therapy outcomes for patients.
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.