Using DNA-damaging treatments to boost the immune attack on small cell lung cancer

DNA damaging therapy and immune response in small cell lung cancer subtypes

['FUNDING_R01'] · UNIVERSITY OF TX MD ANDERSON CAN CTR · NIH-11296875

This work tests whether certain DNA-damaging drugs can help the immune system better fight different types of small cell lung cancer.

Quick facts

Phase['FUNDING_R01']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorUNIVERSITY OF TX MD ANDERSON CAN CTR (nih funded)
Locations1 site (HOUSTON, UNITED STATES)
Trial IDNIH-11296875 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this research studies

If you have small cell lung cancer (SCLC), this research aims to find ways to make standard DNA-damaging treatments improve immune responses against your tumor. The team studies differences between SCLC subtypes and the tumor microenvironment using patient tumor and blood samples collected over time. Researchers build lab models of newly identified subtypes and use genetic and computational analyses to find blood-based markers that could predict who benefits. Promising findings are being translated into clinical trials at MD Anderson and partner centers.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates are people with small cell lung cancer who are eligible for chemotherapy or immunotherapy and are willing to provide tumor or blood samples over time.

Not a fit: People without small cell lung cancer, or patients who cannot or will not provide samples or travel to participating centers, are unlikely to receive direct benefit.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to better combinations of DNA-damaging drugs and immunotherapy and blood tests to help match patients to the treatments most likely to help them.

How similar studies have performed: Early trials combining PARP or other DNA damage response inhibitors with immunotherapy have shown some promise but results in SCLC have been limited and more work is needed.

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 →

Conditions: Cancer Patient, Cancers

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.