Targeting MUC1-C to improve immunotherapy for lung cancer
Official title: MUC1-C is a target for advancing immunotherapy of non-small cell lung cancer
Funded at Dana-Farber Cancer Inst · NIH-10865865 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at a way to make immunotherapy better for people with non-small cell lung cancer by targeting a specific protein that helps tumors hide from the immune system, especially in patients with certain gene mutations, to help improve their treatment results.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Dana-Farber Cancer Inst NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project start | June 14, 2024 |
| Project end | May 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $450,429 |
| NIH project number | 1R21CA289134-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10865865 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are patients diagnosed with non-small cell lung cancer, especially those with EGFR mutations.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with other types of lung cancer or those who do not have EGFR mutations may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on enhancing immunotherapy for non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) by targeting a protein called MUC1-C, which plays a role in immune evasion. The study investigates how MUC1-C contributes to the suppression of the immune response in tumors, particularly in cases where patients have mutations in the EGFR gene. By using genetically engineered mouse models, researchers aim to develop new antibody-drug conjugates that can effectively counteract this immune suppression and improve treatment outcomes for patients with NSCLC.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective immunotherapy options for patients with non-small cell lung cancer, particularly those resistant to current treatments.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have shown promise in targeting similar pathways in cancer treatment, indicating that this approach could be effective.
Where this research is happening
-
Dana-Farber Cancer Inst
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Kufe, Donald W. — Dana-Farber Cancer Inst
- Study coordinator: Kufe, Donald W.
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Targeting GARP-TGFβ to Improve Immunotherapy in NSCLC
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-
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-
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A research project aims to use blood tests and advanced imaging patterns to personalize first-line immunotherapy choices for people with metastatic non-small cell lung cancer.
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Blocking a tumor pathway to boost immunotherapy for non-small cell lung cancer
This project will see if adding a drug that blocks the Hedgehog pathway to immune checkpoint therapy helps people with non-small cell lung cancer by restoring the immune system's CD8 T cells inside tumors.
-
Improving Immunotherapy for Lung Cancer with CT Scans
This work aims to find new ways to predict which non-small cell lung cancer patients will respond best to immunotherapy using information from their routine CT scans.
-
Using CT scans and patient tests to predict who will benefit from PD‑1 immunotherapy
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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.