Understanding why small cell lung cancer becomes resistant to chemotherapy

Identifying and understanding drivers of chemoresistance in small cell lung cancer

['FUNDING_R01'] · FRED HUTCHINSON CANCER CENTER · NIH-11118817

This work explores the genetic changes that cause small cell lung cancer to stop responding to chemotherapy, aiming to find new ways to overcome this resistance.

Quick facts

Phase['FUNDING_R01']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorFRED HUTCHINSON CANCER CENTER (nih funded)
Locations1 site (SEATTLE, UNITED STATES)
Trial IDNIH-11118817 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this research studies

Small cell lung cancer often responds well to initial chemotherapy, but it frequently returns and becomes resistant to treatment. We are using advanced genetic tools to discover which specific genetic changes in cancer cells allow them to survive chemotherapy. By studying patient-derived cancer models, we hope to pinpoint the exact genes that drive this resistance. Our goal is to understand these mechanisms better so we can develop new strategies to make treatments more effective for longer.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: This foundational research focuses on understanding the biology of small cell lung cancer, particularly how it develops resistance to chemotherapy.

Not a fit: Patients whose cancer is not small cell lung cancer or who do not experience chemoresistance would not directly benefit from this specific research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new treatments that prevent or reverse chemotherapy resistance in small cell lung cancer, improving patient outcomes.

How similar studies have performed: This project uses a novel system involving patient-derived models and CRISPR screening to systematically identify chemoresistance drivers, building on prior findings about MYC family members.

Where this research is happening

SEATTLE, 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 →

Conditions: Cancer Patient, Cancer cell line

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.