Understanding why small cell lung cancer resists chemotherapy
Official title: Identifying and understanding drivers of chemoresistance in small cell lung cancer
Funded at Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center · NIH-10880359 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain genes make small cell lung cancer harder to treat with chemotherapy, so that we can find better ways to help patients who are facing this tough condition.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Seattle, United States) |
| Project start | July 1, 2023 |
| Project end | June 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $503,547 |
| NIH project number | 5R01CA281133-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10880359 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are patients diagnosed with small cell lung cancer who are undergoing or have undergone chemotherapy.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with other types of lung cancer or those who have not received chemotherapy may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the genetic factors that contribute to chemoresistance in small cell lung cancer (SCLC), a type of lung cancer that often relapses after initial chemotherapy treatment. By using patient-derived xenograft models, the researchers will genetically alter these models to identify specific genes that promote resistance to common chemotherapy drugs like cisplatin and etoposide. The study employs advanced techniques such as CRISPR to systematically screen for these resistance drivers, aiming to uncover the underlying mechanisms that lead to treatment failure. This could ultimately help in developing more effective therapies for patients with SCLC.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatment strategies that overcome chemoresistance in small cell lung cancer, improving patient outcomes.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promise in identifying genetic factors related to chemoresistance in various cancers, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center
Seattle, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Macpherson, David — Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center
- Study coordinator: Macpherson, David
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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.