LUNGevity Foundation Announces $500,000 in Research Awards to Combat Lung Cancer and Cultivate Workforce
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LUNGevity Foundation, a leading nonprofit dedicated to lung cancer research, today announced $500,000 in funding for four innovative research projects aimed at expanding the lung cancer workforce and accelerating progress for patients. The awards, distributed through several targeted programs, represent a continued investment in the fight against a disease that claims more lives annually than colorectal and pancreatic cancers combined.
A Decades-Long Commitment to lung Cancer Research
Over the past two decades,LUNGevity has invested more than $55 million in lung cancer research,solidifying its commitment to advancing scientific understanding and improving patient outcomes. Thes 2025 awards build upon that legacy, focusing on critical areas of need within the lung cancer landscape.
“It is imperative that we build a vibrant lung cancer workforce to meet the growing needs of the lung cancer community,” said Upal Basu Roy, PhD, MPH, Executive Director of LUNGevity Research. “These awards support research in strategic areas of need and they have the potential to transform lung cancer care.”
Addressing Key Research Priorities
The funded projects tackle a range of challenges, including understanding risk factors beyond tobacco use, improving screening access for vulnerable populations, overcoming drug resistance, and enhancing treatment effectiveness. Specifically,the 2025 awardees are focusing on:
- going beyond tobacco exposure to understand othre lifestyle risk factors
- Improving access to lung cancer screening for high-risk populations
- Overcoming drug resistance in lung cancer
- Enhancing effectiveness of existing treatments
2025 Award Recipients and Their Groundbreaking Research
Seed Grant: Advancing Radiation Oncology Research
A $50,000 award,in partnership with the American Society for Radiation Oncology,is supporting Adam Grippin,MD,PhD, of MD Anderson Cancer Center,in his research on mRNA vaccines and therapeutic radiation for non-small cell lung cancer. Preliminary data suggests improved survival rates for NSCLC patients receiving mRNA vaccines alongside radiation and immune checkpoint inhibitors. Dr. Grippin’s work aims to optimize this combination to overcome drug resistance and pave the way for clinical trials integrating mRNA vaccines into standard treatment plans.
Health Equity and Inclusiveness Research Fellow Award: Addressing Obesity and lung Cancer
Joyce Ogidigo, phd, of Columbia University, will receive $100,000 through the Health Equity and Inclusiveness Research Fellow Award to investigate targeting overnutrition and obesity-based lung cancer. Recognizing the link between obesity and increased cancer risk, Dr. Ogidigo will explore the underlying mechanisms and potential interventions using a diet-induced obesity mouse model, studying gene expression, metabolism, and epigenetic modifications.
A Future Without Lung Cancer
Through these awards, LUNGevity continues to drive innovation and hope by empowering scientists to make discoveries that will bring us closer to a future where no one dies from lung cancer.
LUNGevity offers a comprehensive range of resources, including a medically vetted website, patient gateways, a helpline, survivor conferences, and clinical trial tools, all designed to support those affected by the disease. the foundation is a four-star Charity Navigator organization, demonstrating its commitment to transparency and accountability.
Lung Cancer Statistics in the US
The impact of lung cancer remains notable. Approximately 1 in 18 Americans will be diagnosed with the disease in their lifetime, with over 226,000 new cases expected this year – a new diagnosis occurring every 2.3 minutes. Notably, nearly 65% of new diagnoses are among individuals with no tobacco exposure or a history of past tobacco use. Despite advancements in treatment, only 28% of those diagnosed survive five years or more, highlighting the urgent need for continued research and improved early detection.
For more information, please visit www.LUNGevity.org.
