Understanding how the tumor environment affects lung cancer treatment response
Official title: Tumor Microenvironment Determinants of TKI Response in Oncogene-Driven Lung Cancer
Funded at University of Colorado Denver · NIH-10985814 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how the environment around tumors affects how well certain cancer treatments work for people with ALK-positive non-small cell lung cancer, especially focusing on the role of immune cells like neutrophils, to find ways to make these treatments more effective.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Career grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Colorado Denver NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Aurora, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | July 30, 2024 |
| Project end | June 30, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $279,465 |
| NIH project number | 1K08CA282966-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-10985814 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are patients diagnosed with ALK positive non-small cell lung cancer who are starting treatment with tyrosine kinase inhibitors.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with other types of lung cancer or those who are not ALK positive may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how the tumor microenvironment influences the effectiveness of tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) in patients with anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) positive non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). It focuses on the role of immune cells, particularly neutrophils, in determining the response to treatment. By analyzing pre-treatment biopsies and using murine models, the study aims to uncover how these immune cells may hinder the effectiveness of TKI therapy. The goal is to identify factors that could improve treatment outcomes for patients.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatment strategies for patients with ALK positive NSCLC, enhancing their response to TKIs.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has indicated that immune cells play a significant role in cancer treatment responses, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Colorado Denver
Aurora, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Schenk, Erin L — University of Colorado Denver
- Study coordinator: Schenk, Erin L
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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.