Understanding Differences in Small Cell Lung Cancer Spread to Improve Treatments
Inter-metastatic divergency in small cell lung cancer; implications for the design of future immunotherapies
This project aims to understand why small cell lung cancer becomes resistant to treatments by looking at differences between tumors in the same patient.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Duke University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Durham, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11160452 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Small cell lung cancer often spreads aggressively, making it hard to treat effectively. This project looks at why treatments, especially immunotherapies, might not work well when the cancer has spread to different parts of the body. Researchers are studying how cancer cells in different tumors within the same patient can be unique, making them harder for the immune system to fight. They are also exploring how certain proteins might suppress the immune system's ability to attack cancer. This work uses tissue samples generously donated by patients with advanced small cell lung cancer through a special program.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Patients with advanced small cell lung cancer who are considering tissue donation programs would be relevant to this type of research.
Not a fit: Patients who do not have small cell lung cancer or are not able to participate in tissue donation programs would not directly benefit from this specific research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new and more effective immunotherapy treatments for patients with small cell lung cancer.
How similar studies have performed: This foundational work aims to generate a rationale for novel immunotherapeutic trials, suggesting it explores new approaches to overcome current treatment hurdles.
Where this research is happening
Durham, United States
- Duke University — Durham, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Conejo-Garcia, Jose R — Duke University
- Study coordinator: Conejo-Garcia, Jose R
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.