Targeting metabolic weaknesses in aggressive lung cancer

Investigating and targeting metabolic vulnerabilities of MYC-driven small cell lung cancer

NIH-funded research Duke University · NIH-10912807

This study is looking at a tough type of lung cancer called small cell lung cancer to find new ways to treat it by understanding how certain tumors use nutrients, and it’s for patients who want to know about potential new treatments that could help them.

Quick facts

Grant typeFellowship grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionDuke University NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Durham, United States)
Project IDNIH-10912807 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research focuses on small cell lung cancer (SCLC), a highly aggressive type of lung cancer that is difficult to treat. The study aims to understand the unique metabolic characteristics of MYC-driven SCLC tumors, which have specific vulnerabilities that can be targeted for treatment. By investigating the role of arginine metabolism and the effects of pegylated arginine deiminase (ADI-PEG20), the research seeks to develop new therapeutic strategies that could improve patient outcomes. The approach includes exploring how tumors adapt to treatment and identifying additional metabolic pathways that can be targeted to enhance therapy effectiveness.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are patients diagnosed with MYC-driven small cell lung cancer who have limited treatment options.

Not a fit: Patients with non-small cell lung cancer or those whose tumors do not express MYC may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective treatments for small cell lung cancer, potentially extending survival for patients.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promising results in targeting metabolic vulnerabilities in cancer, suggesting that this approach could be effective.

Where this research is happening

Durham, 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.