The link between house dust mites and lung cancer in non-smokers
Official title: Chronic Exposure to House Dust Mites: A New Risk Factor for Lung Cancer in Never Smokers
Funded at University of California, San Diego · NIH-11088900 · Data updated 2026-11-12
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
| Grant type | U01 cooperative agreement |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California, San Diego NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (La Jolla, United States) |
| Project start | June 6, 2023 |
| Project end | May 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $619,804 |
| NIH project number | 5U01CA276642-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11088900 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
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.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with a history of smoking or those without exposure to house dust mites may not benefit from this research.
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.
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 gone: 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
-
University of California, San Diego
La Jolla, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Raz, Eyal — University of California, San Diego
- Study coordinator: Raz, Eyal
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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.