NIH-funded research NIH-funded research

Understanding how certain signals contribute to persistent cancer cells in lung cancer models

Official title: Elucidating the role of support signaling in promoting minimal residual disease in mouse models of oncogene-driven lung cancer

Funded at University of Tx Md Anderson Can Ctr · NIH-10872298 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study is looking at how certain genetic changes in lung cancer can affect how well treatments work, using special models to understand why some cancer cells might survive even after therapy, which could help create better treatments for patients in the future.

More Lung Cancer research and trials

Quick facts

Grant typeNIH-funded research
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Tx Md Anderson Can Ctr
NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Houston, United States)
Project startFebruary 1, 2020
Project endJune 30, 2026
Funding year2024
Award (this year)$242,877
NIH project number5R00CA246084-04
Project IDNIH-10872298 on NIH RePORTER

Who could benefit from this research

Could help

Ideal candidates for this research are lung cancer patients with specific oncogenic mutations who are undergoing treatment.

Less likely to help

Patients with lung cancer who do not have identifiable genetic mutations or those who are not currently receiving treatment may not benefit from this research.

What this research studies

This research investigates the mechanisms behind minimal residual disease (MRD) in lung cancer, focusing on how specific genetic mutations influence treatment responses. By using advanced mouse and organoid models, the study aims to dissect the roles of various proteins, particularly those in the EGFR family, in the development of drug resistance. Patients may benefit from insights gained into why some cancer cells survive treatment, potentially leading to more effective therapies in the future.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatment strategies that effectively target and eliminate residual cancer cells, reducing the risk of relapse.

How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding drug resistance mechanisms in cancer, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.

Where this research is happening

  • University of Tx Md Anderson Can Ctr
    Houston, United States
    Active

Researchers

  • Principal investigator: Vaishnavi, Aria — University of Tx Md Anderson Can Ctr
  • Study coordinator: Vaishnavi, Aria

Related research

Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.

  • Orphan noncoding RNA test to detect buried cancer cells in lung cancer

    A new blood test using orphan noncoding RNAs and AI aims to find tiny amounts of residual lung cancer after surgery to guide subsequent treatment.

    NIH research Exai Bio, INC. · Palo Alto, United States · NIH-11192382

  • Understanding why lung cancer treatments stop working

    This work aims to understand why some lung cancer cells survive targeted treatments, leading to drug resistance in patients.

    NIH research University of Tx Md Anderson Can Ctr · Houston, United States · NIH-11117158

  • A new test to detect leftover cancer cells in lung cancer patients after surgery

    This study is testing a new way to find tiny amounts of leftover cancer cells in people with non-small cell lung cancer after surgery, using a special blood test that looks at unique RNA from tumors, so doctors can better tailor treatments for you.

    NIH research Exai Bio, INC. · Palo Alto, United States · NIH-11008417

  • Blood-based markers to identify lung cancer risk in never-smokers

    A researchers team at NYU School of Medicine is testing blood tests that might flag higher lung cancer risk in people who have never smoked, helping decide who might need screening.

    NIH research New York University School of Medicine · New York, United States · NIH-11623223

  • Integrative Analysis of Lung Cancer Risk and Its Causes

    A large, multi-part study at the University of New Mexico is exploring why lung cancer happens and how to better prevent and detect it.

    NIH research University of New Mexico Health Scis Ctr · Albuquerque, United States · NIH-11523887

  • Integrative Analysis of Lung Cancer Risk and Causes

    A large NIH project is exploring how tobacco use, behavior, biology, and screening practices influence lung cancer risk and outcomes to help prevent and detect it earlier.

    NIH research University of New Mexico Health Scis Ctr · Albuquerque, United States · NIH-11523876

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.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 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.