Understanding how autophagy affects lung cancer growth and spread in patients with LKB1 mutations

Elucidate the mechanism of autophagy in supporting Lkb1-deficient lung tumorigenesis and metastasis

['FUNDING_R01'] · RUTGERS BIOMEDICAL AND HEALTH SCIENCES · NIH-11031408

This study is looking at how a process that helps cells recycle their parts might affect lung cancer in patients with a specific gene mutation, hoping to find new ways to treat this tough disease.

Quick facts

Phase['FUNDING_R01']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorRUTGERS BIOMEDICAL AND HEALTH SCIENCES (nih funded)
Locations1 site (Newark, UNITED STATES)
Trial IDNIH-11031408 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this research studies

This research investigates the role of autophagy, a cellular process that recycles components, in the development and spread of lung cancer, particularly in patients with mutations in the LKB1 gene. By studying how these mutations influence cancer cell behavior and their response to metabolic stress, the research aims to identify potential vulnerabilities that could be targeted for new therapies. The approach includes both laboratory experiments and analysis of cancer cell models to understand the underlying mechanisms at play. Patients may benefit from insights that could lead to more effective treatments for aggressive lung cancers.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are patients diagnosed with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) who have mutations in the LKB1 gene.

Not a fit: Patients with lung cancer who do not have LKB1 mutations or those with other types of lung cancer may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapeutic strategies that specifically target LKB1-deficient lung cancers, improving outcomes for patients.

How similar studies have performed: While the role of autophagy in cancer has been studied, this specific investigation into LKB1 mutations and their metabolic implications is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested.

Where this research is happening

Newark, 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 →

Conditions: anti-cancer therapy

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.