Understanding how small cell lung cancer spreads to the brain
Official title: Molecular Mechanisms of Small Cell Lung Cancer Brain Metastasis
Funded at Stanford University · NIH-11065852 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking into how small cell lung cancer spreads to the brain, which can be a tough challenge for patients, and it hopes to find new ways to treat this issue by understanding how the cancer cells behave in the brain.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Stanford University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Stanford, United States) |
| Project start | June 9, 2025 |
| Project end | June 8, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $46,071 |
| NIH project number | 1F31CA290763-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11065852 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are patients diagnosed with small cell lung cancer, particularly those who have developed brain metastases.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with other types of lung cancer or those without brain metastases may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the biological processes that allow small cell lung cancer (SCLC) to metastasize to the brain, a common and serious complication for patients. By using advanced pre-clinical models, the study aims to uncover how SCLC cells adapt and interact with brain cells, which may help them grow in this environment. The research focuses on specific molecular mechanisms, particularly the role of a transcription factor called NFIB, which influences the behavior of cancer cells. Patients may benefit from insights gained that could lead to new treatment strategies targeting brain metastases.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatment options for patients with small cell lung cancer that has spread to the brain.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding cancer metastasis using similar molecular approaches, indicating potential for success in this area.
Where this research is happening
-
Stanford University
Stanford, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Hartmann, Griffin Gray — Stanford University
- Study coordinator: Hartmann, Griffin Gray
Related research
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This research aims to understand how groups of lung cancer cells communicate and move together, which causes cancer to spread throughout the body.
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Understanding how small cell lung cancer spreads
This study is looking at how small cell lung cancer spreads aggressively by creating special lung cells from human stem cells, so researchers can better understand what makes the cancer grow and spread, helping to improve treatment for patients like you.
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.