Targeting the IRE1α–XBP1 stress pathway in non-small cell lung cancer

ER stress-driven IRE1a-XBP1 signaling in lung cancer

NIH-funded research Weill Medical Coll of Cornell Univ · NIH-11266229

This work aims to block a cellular stress pathway (IRE1α–XBP1) to slow non-small cell lung cancer and help the immune system fight tumors.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionWeill Medical Coll of Cornell Univ NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (New York, United States)
Project IDNIH-11266229 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research looks at a pathway inside lung tumor cells called IRE1α-XBP1 that helps tumors cope with stress and can change how the immune system sees them. Scientists will use tumor samples and mouse models to turn off or block IRE1α and watch what happens to tumor growth and immune cells in the tumor environment. The team will also study patient tumor data to see whether high XBP1 activity links to worse outcomes and could mark people who might benefit. If results are promising, the findings could guide development of new drugs or combinations that target this pathway.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: People with non-small cell lung cancer, especially those whose tumors show high activity of the IRE1α–XBP1 pathway, would be the most relevant candidates.

Not a fit: Patients with cancers other than non-small cell lung cancer or whose tumors do not show IRE1α–XBP1 activation are unlikely to benefit directly from this specific approach.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could lead to new treatments that slow tumor growth and boost anti-tumor immunity in non-small cell lung cancer patients.

How similar studies have performed: Preclinical studies, including mouse models and tumor analyses, suggest that blocking IRE1α–XBP1 can slow tumor progression and enhance immune responses, but human clinical trials have not yet been established.

Where this research is happening

New York, 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.
Conditions Cancer ModelCancer PatientCancerModelCancers
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.