#United States #Washington D.C. #Research Awards #Lung Cancer #LUNGevity Foundation

LUNGevity Foundation's Initiative to Expand Lung Cancer Research

On November 20, 2025, LUNGevity Foundation, the nation’s leading nonprofit dedicated to lung cancer, unveiled its commitment to bolster the lung cancer research workforce through four significant research awards. This initiative aims to enhance progress for individuals diagnosed with lung cancer by fostering innovation in the field.

Commitment to Research and Workforce Development

Since its inception, LUNGevity has invested over $55 million into lung cancer research over the last two decades. The 2025 awards reaffirm their dedication to developing a committed scientific workforce and advancing impactful lung cancer research. As stated by Dr. Upal Basu Roy, Executive Director of LUNGevity Research, "It is imperative that we build a vibrant lung cancer workforce to meet the growing needs of the lung cancer community." These strategic awards are indispensable in addressing critical areas in lung cancer research.

Spotlight on the Awarded Research Projects

1. Enhancing Antitumor Immune Responses

Recipient: Michael Oh, MD, University of California, Los Angeles
Funding: $100,000

Dr. Oh's project focuses on a novel CCL21-DC vaccine aimed at increasing immune activity against non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) tumors. By harnessing engineered dendritic cells, the vaccine seeks to elicit a stronger immune response, potentially improving treatment outcomes for patients who struggle with the current immunotherapies.

2. Raising Lung Cancer Screening Awareness Among Black Veterans

Recipient: Lauren Kearney, MD, Boston University Chobanian Avedisian School of Medicine
Funding: $100,000

Dr. Kearney’s initiative addresses the alarming health disparities faced by Black veterans in lung cancer treatment. By creating a community-focused awareness toolkit in collaboration with the National Association of Black Veterans (NABVETS), this project aims to increase lung cancer screening access for underserved populations, which tends to yield better health outcomes.

3. mRNA Vaccines Coupled with Radiation for Enhanced Treatment

Recipient: Adam Grippin, MD, PhD, MD Anderson Cancer Center
Funding: $50,000

Preliminary findings indicate that the combination of mRNA vaccines and radiation therapy could significantly improve survival rates for NSCLC patients. Dr. Grippin’s research aims to refine this approach, addressing drug resistance through innovative vaccine formulations, laying crucial groundwork for upcoming clinical trials.

4. Investigating the Link Between Obesity and Lung Cancer

Recipient: Joyce Ogidigo, PhD, Columbia University
Funding: $100,000

Dr. Ogidigo plans to explore how obesity contributes to lung cancer risk through a mouse model study. The research will highlight the biological mechanisms at play, paving the way for personalized treatment strategies targeting obesity-related lung cancer development.

Advancing Lung Cancer Care

These awards reflect LUNGevity's unwavering commitment to spur innovation within the lung cancer research sector and to cultivate a workforce capable of addressing the unique challenges faced by lung cancer patients today. As the leading organization focused on lung cancer, LUNGevity aims for a future where everyone diagnosed can access suitable treatments and ultimately enhance their quality of life.

Conclusion

As approximately 226,000 Americans are expected to receive a lung cancer diagnosis annually, initiatives such as these underscore the urgent need for advancing lung cancer research and improving healthcare outcomes. The dedicated efforts of LUNGevity Foundation continue to drive change, aligning research priorities with real-world needs, ensuring a brighter future for lung cancer patients. For more details about LUNGevity and the ongoing efforts in lung cancer research, visit LUNGevity.org.