NIH-funded research Fellowship grant

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.

More Lung Cancer research and trials

Quick facts

Grant typeFellowship grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionStanford University
NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Stanford, United States)
Project startJune 9, 2025
Project endJune 8, 2027
Funding year2025
Award (this year)$46,071
NIH project number1F31CA290763-01A1
Project IDNIH-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

Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.

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.