Understanding why lung cancer treatments stop working

Elucidating the role of support signaling in promoting minimal residual disease in mouse models of oncogene-driven lung cancer

['FUNDING_OTHER'] · UNIVERSITY OF TX MD ANDERSON CAN CTR · NIH-11117158

This work aims to understand why some lung cancer cells survive targeted treatments, leading to drug resistance in patients.

Quick facts

Phase['FUNDING_OTHER']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorUNIVERSITY OF TX MD ANDERSON CAN CTR (nih funded)
Locations1 site (HOUSTON, UNITED STATES)
Trial IDNIH-11117158 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this research studies

Even with advanced treatments for lung cancer, a small number of cancer cells can remain, causing the cancer to return or become resistant to drugs. This project explores how certain signals within these remaining cancer cells, specifically involving genes like EGFR and ERBB, help them survive treatment. By using advanced genetic models and organoids, we hope to uncover the specific roles these signals play in drug resistance. Our goal is to find new ways to target these resistant cells and improve long-term outcomes for patients.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: This research is most relevant to patients with lung cancer, particularly those whose tumors have specific genetic mutations that are currently treated with targeted therapies.

Not a fit: Patients without lung cancer or those whose cancer does not involve the specific genetic pathways being studied may not directly benefit from this particular research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new strategies to overcome drug resistance in lung cancer, allowing treatments to be more effective for longer periods.

How similar studies have performed: While targeted therapies have shown initial success in lung cancer, the problem of drug resistance is a known challenge that this research aims to address.

Where this research is happening

HOUSTON, UNITED STATES

Researchers

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 below.

View on NIH RePORTER →

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 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.