Understanding how platinum chemotherapy affects the immune system in small cell lung cancer

Platinum-induced lipid reprogramming and tumor immune microenvironment in SCLC

NIH-funded research University of Texas Hlth Science Center · NIH-11115843

This research explores why current immune therapies for small cell lung cancer might not work as well as hoped, focusing on how chemotherapy affects the body's immune cells.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Texas Hlth Science Center NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (San Antonio, United States)
Project IDNIH-11115843 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

Small cell lung cancer is a very aggressive type of lung cancer, and while new immune therapies are promising, their effectiveness in this specific cancer has been limited. We believe that the way chemotherapy interacts with the tumor's surroundings and the immune cells within it might be a key factor. This project looks closely at how platinum-based chemotherapy changes the immune cells, called dendritic cells, and their ability to fight the cancer. By understanding these changes, we hope to find new ways to make immune therapies more effective for patients.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Patients with small cell lung cancer who are undergoing or have undergone platinum-based chemotherapy and immune checkpoint inhibitor therapy are the focus of this research.

Not a fit: Patients with other types of cancer or those not receiving platinum-based chemotherapy for small cell lung cancer may not directly benefit from this specific line of inquiry.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new strategies to improve the effectiveness of immune therapies for small cell lung cancer patients.

How similar studies have performed: While immune checkpoint inhibitors have shown success in other cancers, their efficacy in small cell lung cancer, especially in combination with platinum chemotherapy, is still being actively explored, making this a novel area of investigation.

Where this research is happening

San Antonio, 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.
Conditions Cancers
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 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.