Using estrogen suppression to improve immunotherapy for lung cancer

Estrogen Suppression as a Strategy to Enhance Immunotherapy Efficacy in EGFR-Mutated Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer

NIH-funded research Research Inst of Fox Chase Can Ctr · NIH-10947783

This study is looking at how estrogen influences the immune system in patients with non-small cell lung cancer who have specific gene changes, to find out why they might not respond well to certain treatments and to see if lowering estrogen could help improve their cancer care.

Quick facts

Grant typeR21 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionResearch Inst of Fox Chase Can Ctr NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Philadelphia, United States)
Project IDNIH-10947783 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates how estrogen affects the immune environment in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients with EGFR mutations. It aims to understand why these patients often do not respond well to immunotherapy and to explore estrogen suppression as a potential strategy to enhance treatment efficacy. By analyzing the tumor microenvironment, the study seeks to identify ways to increase the presence of immune cells that can fight the cancer. Patients may be involved in trials that test new treatment combinations aimed at improving their outcomes.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are patients diagnosed with EGFR-mutant non-small cell lung cancer, particularly those who have not responded well to current treatments.

Not a fit: Patients with non-EGFR-mutant lung cancer or those who are not eligible for immunotherapy may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective immunotherapy options for patients with EGFR-mutant NSCLC.

How similar studies have performed: While the approach of targeting estrogen in cancer treatment is emerging, this specific strategy for enhancing immunotherapy in EGFR-mutant NSCLC is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested.

Where this research is happening

Philadelphia, 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.
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 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.