LUNGevity Foundation's Over $1 Million Investment in Lung Cancer Research to Elevate Patient Care

LUNGevity Foundation's Commitment to Lung Cancer Research

On October 28, 2026, the LUNGevity Foundation proudly announced its allocation of over $1 million in new research awards designed to strengthen the workforce in lung cancer research. This significant investment aims to accelerate progress in understanding and treating lung cancer, which continues to be a pressing public health concern.

The six research awards reflect LUNGevity's dedication to innovation in lung cancer care and address critical areas such as early detection, immunotherapy resistance, predictive biomarkers, and personalized treatment options. These research endeavors not only aim to advance scientific knowledge but also to directly enhance the quality of care for patients living with lung cancer.

Building a Stronger Research Workforce

LUNGevity's Executive Director, Upal Basu Roy, PhD, MPH, emphasized the importance of empowering new researchers in the field: "The future of lung cancer research depends on who we empower today. At a time when the oncology workforce is shrinking, strengthening the pipeline of lung cancer researchers has never been more important." This sentiment highlights the foundation's commitment to nurturing the next generation of scientists dedicated to combatting lung cancer.

The current awards build upon LUNGevity's impressive legacy, having invested more than $55 million in lung cancer research in the past two decades. By funding innovative projects, LUNGevity aims to foster groundbreaking research that could lead to significant advances in treatment options and improved patient outcomes.

Spotlight on Award Recipients

Among the distinguished researchers receiving the 2026 Workforce Research Awards is Dr. Chris Frangieh from Columbia University. He has been awarded $300,000 for his project, which focuses on the role of the cGAS-STING pathway in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). His research aims to develop a new drug that enhances the immune response to tumors, potentially increasing the efficacy of immunotherapies. Dr. Frangieh's work promises to provide a novel approach to lung cancer treatment, particularly for patients with chromosomal abnormalities that drive cancer growth.

Similarly, Dr. Surbhi Singhal from the University of California, Davis, will investigate proteomic determinants of immunotherapy sensitivity, aiming to identify specific blood markers that can predict which patients will respond to treatment. This research could pave the way for more personalized care in lung cancer treatment, allowing for tailored therapies based on individual patients' biomarker profiles.

In yet another notable project, Dr. No Joon Song from The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center will explore the role of NK cells and macrophages in immune responses related to lung cancer. His findings aim to shed light on the mechanisms behind immunotherapy resistance, which could lead to new combination therapies that enhance patient outcomes.

Supporting Vulnerable Communities

LUNGevity also recognizes the need to bridge health disparities affecting underserved communities. With awards allocated specifically for this purpose, researchers like Dr. Tatiana Delgado Cruz from Weill Cornell Medicine are working on innovative approaches, including adoptive cell therapy utilizing tumor-draining lymph nodes to enhance antitumor activity. This initiative holds promise for delivering more effective and personalized treatment options to patients who may otherwise be overlooked.

In addition, health equity research is being supported to enhance screening and care for veterans at higher risk of lung cancer. Dr. Brendan Heiden’s project will analyze outcomes of lung cancer screenings among veterans to help refine approaches and improve outcomes in this high-risk group.

Conclusion: A Future Without Lung Cancer

As LUNGevity continues to invest in groundbreaking research and education, its ultimate mission remains clear: to advance survivorship and ensure that no one loses their life to lung cancer. By fostering a vibrant research community, LUNGevity aims to spark a future where lung cancer outcomes can significantly improve and ultimately lead to a world where lung cancer is no longer a leading cause of death. This commitment, reinforced by over a million in funding, reflects a strategic vision for connecting innovative research with real-world applications that enhance patient care and save lives.

To learn more about LUNGevity Foundation’s initiatives and ongoing research projects, please visit LUNGevity.org.