Using viruses to target lung tumors with mutant p53 genes

Targeting lung tumors expressing mutant p53 with oncolytic viruses and suicide genes

NIH-funded research Virginia Commonwealth University · NIH-10877988

This study is exploring a new way to treat lung cancer by using special viruses to help kill cancer cells that have a specific mutation in the p53 gene, aiming to make treatment safer and more effective for patients like you.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionVirginia Commonwealth University NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Richmond, United States)
Project IDNIH-10877988 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates a novel approach to treating lung cancer by targeting tumors that express mutant forms of the p53 gene. Instead of inhibiting the mutant protein, the study aims to harness its properties to promote cancer cell death using oncolytic viruses and suicide genes. The methodology involves creating a specific adenoviral vector that selectively replicates in and destroys cancer cells with gain-of-function p53 mutations while sparing normal cells. This targeted strategy could lead to more effective and safer treatments for patients with lung cancer.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are patients diagnosed with lung cancer who have mutations in the p53 gene.

Not a fit: Patients with lung cancer that do not have p53 mutations or those with other types of cancer may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide a new, targeted therapy for lung cancer patients with specific p53 mutations, potentially improving survival rates and reducing side effects.

How similar studies have performed: Other research has shown promise in using oncolytic viruses for cancer treatment, indicating that this approach could be a viable and innovative strategy.

Where this research is happening

Richmond, 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.