NIH-funded research R21 grant

Understanding how the tumor environment affects lung cancer treatment resistance

Official title: The Role of the Tumor Microenvironment in Resistance to Oncogenic KRAS Inhibition in Lung Cancer

Funded at University of Michigan at Ann Arbor · NIH-11003365 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study is looking at how the area around lung tumors affects the way they respond to treatments, especially for patients with a specific type of lung cancer that has a KRAS mutation, to help find better ways to overcome treatment resistance.

More Lung Cancer research and trials

Quick facts

Grant typeR21 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Michigan at Ann Arbor
NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Ann Arbor, United States)
Project startDecember 21, 2023
Project endNovember 30, 2025
Funding year2025
Award (this year)$182,325
NIH project number5R21CA286372-02
Project IDNIH-11003365 on NIH RePORTER

Who could benefit from this research

Could help

Ideal candidates for this research are patients with non-small cell lung cancer harboring KRAS mutations, especially those who have not smoked.

Less likely to help

Patients with lung cancer that does not involve KRAS mutations or those with other types of cancer may not benefit from this research.

What this research studies

This research investigates the role of the tumor microenvironment in lung cancer, particularly focusing on how it contributes to resistance against treatments targeting the KRAS oncogene. By utilizing advanced techniques like single-cell RNA sequencing, the study aims to analyze changes in the tumor environment during treatment and recurrence. The goal is to identify mechanisms of resistance that could inform future therapies, especially for patients with non-small cell lung cancer who have specific KRAS mutations. This research could lead to improved treatment strategies that enhance the effectiveness of existing therapies.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective treatment options for lung cancer patients, particularly those with KRAS mutations.

How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in targeting KRAS mutations, indicating that this approach has potential for success.

Where this research is happening

  • University of Michigan at Ann Arbor
    Ann Arbor, United States
    Active

Researchers

  • Principal investigator: Galban, Stefanie — University of Michigan at Ann Arbor
  • Study coordinator: Galban, Stefanie

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.