Targeting weak spots in small cell lung cancer subtypes to improve treatment
Impact of recurrent genetic alterations on SCLC subtypes and therapeutic response
Researchers are trying CDK2 and PARP drugs, alone and with immunotherapy, for people who have different genetic subtypes of small cell lung cancer.
Quick facts
| Grant type | P01 program project |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | New York University School of Medicine NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New York, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11171407 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This project uses lab-grown cell lines and new animal models that carry the same genetic changes doctors see in people with small cell lung cancer to learn how those changes affect treatment response. Scientists will create tumors with common SCLC mutations (like TP53 and RB1 plus others such as MYC, KMT2D, STK11 or PTEN) and treat them with drugs that target DNA replication stress and repair. They will compare responses across subtypes and test combinations of targeted drugs with immunotherapy using immune-competent models. The goal is to see which genetic patterns make tumors more or less likely to respond so future treatments can be matched to a patient’s tumor.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with a diagnosis of small cell lung cancer, especially those whose tumors have relapsed after chemotherapy or whose tumors have specific co-mutations (for example TP53/RB1 with MYC, KMT2D, STK11, or PTEN), would be the most relevant group for follow-up clinical testing.
Not a fit: People without small cell lung cancer or whose tumors lack the specific genetic changes studied are unlikely to benefit directly from this project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point to new drug combinations or biomarkers that help doctors pick better treatments for people with small cell lung cancer.
How similar studies have performed: Some early lab work and limited clinical data support using PARP inhibitors in subsets of SCLC, but combining CDK2 inhibition with PARP inhibitors and immunotherapy is a newer approach with limited prior clinical evidence.
Where this research is happening
New York, United States
- New York University School of Medicine — New York, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Wong, Kwok Kin — New York University School of Medicine
- Study coordinator: Wong, Kwok Kin
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 below.