The link between house dust mites and lung cancer in non-smokers

Chronic Exposure to House Dust Mites: A New Risk Factor for Lung Cancer in Never Smokers

['FUNDING_U01'] · UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, SAN DIEGO · NIH-11088900

This study is looking at how being around house dust mites, which many people are allergic to, might raise the risk of lung cancer in non-smokers, and it aims to find out how this happens so we can better understand who might be at risk.

Quick facts

Phase['FUNDING_U01']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorUNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, SAN DIEGO (nih funded)
Locations1 site (LA JOLLA, UNITED STATES)
Trial IDNIH-11088900 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this research studies

This research investigates how chronic exposure to house dust mites, a common indoor allergen, may increase the risk of lung cancer in individuals who have never smoked. The study aims to understand the cellular mechanisms that allow these allergens to provoke inflammation and potentially lead to cancer development. By using preclinical mouse models and human lung organoids, researchers will explore the mutagenic effects of dust mites and analyze the tumor microenvironment in lung cancer patients. The findings could provide insights into new risk factors for lung cancer and help identify susceptible individuals.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals who have never smoked but may have been exposed to house dust mites and are at risk for lung cancer.

Not a fit: Patients with a history of smoking or those without exposure to house dust mites may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to better understanding and prevention strategies for lung cancer in never-smokers.

How similar studies have performed: While the specific link between house dust mites and lung cancer in never-smokers is novel, similar studies have shown that allergens can influence cancer development.

Where this research is happening

LA JOLLA, 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.

View on NIH RePORTER →

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 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.