Why lung cancer outcomes differ for people of African ancestry
Molecular mediators of disparate outcomes experienced by patients of African ancestry with lung cancer
Looking at tumor molecular differences to understand why people of African ancestry with lung cancer often have different outcomes and responses to treatment.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R37 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Cleveland Clinic Lerner Com-Cwru NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Cleveland, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11240341 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
I would be asked to help researchers compare the molecular features of lung tumors from people of African ancestry with those from other ancestries. They will use genomic profiling of patient tumor samples and laboratory cell lines to measure things like EGFR activation and additional cancer-driving mutations. The team will link those molecular patterns to existing treatment responses to see if certain co-mutations could affect how well targeted drugs work. This work aims to explain biology that might contribute to worse outcomes and to guide more effective treatment choices in the future.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with lung cancer — especially patients of African ancestry and those with EGFR-mutant tumors or available tumor tissue for genomic profiling — would be the ideal participants.
Not a fit: People without lung cancer or those whose care does not involve tumor molecular testing are unlikely to receive direct benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Could lead to more tailored treatments for patients of African ancestry and help reduce disparities in lung cancer outcomes.
How similar studies have performed: EGFR-targeted therapies have helped many patients overall, but studying ancestry-linked molecular differences is relatively novel and not well explored.
Where this research is happening
Cleveland, United States
- Cleveland Clinic Lerner Com-Cwru — Cleveland, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Mcgrail, Daniel James — Cleveland Clinic Lerner Com-Cwru
- Study coordinator: Mcgrail, Daniel James
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 below.