Using CT scans to predict who benefits from immunotherapy for lung cancer

Novel Radiomics for Predicting Response to Immunotherapy for Lung Cancer

['FUNDING_R01'] · EMORY UNIVERSITY · NIH-11304550

This project uses advanced computer analysis of CT scans to find patterns that show which people with non-small cell lung cancer may benefit from anti‑PD‑1/PD‑L1 immunotherapy.

Quick facts

Phase['FUNDING_R01']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorEMORY UNIVERSITY (nih funded)
Locations1 site (ATLANTA, UNITED STATES)
Trial IDNIH-11304550 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this research studies

From my point of view as a patient, the team is applying new computer‑vision radiomics techniques to routine CT scans to look for imaging features linked to treatment success. They will compare these imaging patterns to real patient outcomes after receiving immune checkpoint inhibitors and work to distinguish true responses from pseudo‑progression that can look like tumor growth. The approach focuses on non‑invasive imaging rather than relying only on tissue biomarkers, and it uses both existing scans and follow‑up imaging to train and test the algorithms. If the methods work, they could be used alongside clinical information to guide treatment decisions.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates are people with non‑small cell lung cancer who are being considered for or already receiving anti‑PD‑1/PD‑L1 immunotherapy and who have CT imaging and medical records available.

Not a fit: People with other cancer types, those without accessible CT scans or treatment records, or patients not treated with immune checkpoint inhibitors are unlikely to directly benefit from this work.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this could help doctors predict who will benefit from immunotherapy earlier and avoid ineffective and costly treatments.

How similar studies have performed: Some retrospective radiomics studies have suggested imaging can predict immunotherapy response, but these methods remain experimental and need prospective validation.

Where this research is happening

ATLANTA, 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.