Understanding how small cell lung cancer adapts and resists treatment
Official title: Cellular plasticity gives rise to phenotypic equilibrium in small cell lung carcinoma
Funded at Northwestern University at Chicago · NIH-10887640 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at small cell lung cancer to understand why it grows so quickly and resists treatment, using special models from patients to find new ways to improve care for people facing this tough disease.
Quick facts
| Grant type | U01 cooperative agreement |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Northwestern University at Chicago NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Chicago, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2022 |
| Project end | August 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $442,470 |
| NIH project number | 5U01CA268052-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-10887640 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with small cell lung carcinoma who are undergoing treatment.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with other types of lung cancer or those who are not currently receiving treatment for SCLC may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates small cell lung carcinoma (SCLC), a highly aggressive form of lung cancer known for its rapid growth and resistance to therapy. By utilizing a diverse collection of patient-derived models, the study aims to explore the genetic and epigenetic factors that contribute to the cancer's behavior and treatment resistance. The researchers will analyze how different cell states within tumors interact and adapt, potentially leading to new insights into how to improve treatment outcomes for patients. The approach includes advanced techniques to observe these cellular changes at a single-cell level, providing a deeper understanding of the tumor's complexity.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective treatments for small cell lung cancer by targeting its diverse cellular states.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in understanding cancer heterogeneity and cellular plasticity, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Northwestern University at Chicago
Chicago, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Abazeed, Mohamed E. — Northwestern University at Chicago
- Study coordinator: Abazeed, Mohamed E.
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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.