Research News

This study found that patients with lung cancer develop an immune response sometime between 1 week to 6 months following radiation therapy. This finding is important because it helps researchers and clinicians determine the best time for each patient to deploy immunotherapy to maximize the treatment effect of destroying tumor cells, improving treatment outcomes. Senior author Kellie N. Smith received honors by the Pierre Massion Lung Cancer Discovery Award.

This study examined how and why certain types of T-cells (white blood cells that help the immune system fight germs), recognize and destroy cells infected with mycobacterium tuberculosis, the bacteria responsible for a tuberculosis infection. This research is critical to improve vaccines to protect against tuberculosis infections and reduce the risk of infectious lung disease. Senior author Steven M. Carpenter was awarded the American Lung Association Catalyst Award.

This literature review summarizes all current clinical and scientific knowledge for a new cancer treatment called neoadjuvant immune checkpoint blockade. This is important because literature reviews form the knowledge base of new research studies and highlight the gaps that lead to new research questions and experiments in lung cancer. Senior author Kellie N. Smith received honors by the Pierre Massion Lung Cancer Discovery Award.

This study found that virtual promotion of inspiratory muscle training and walking has the potential to improve health-related quality of life in patients with lung cancer following therapy. This is important because many patients with lung cancer experience breathlessness and physical inactivity following their treatments, and this intervention could accelerate their recovery and improve outcomes. First author Duc M. Ha was awarded the Lung Association Lung Cancer Discovery Award.

This study used CT imaging and found that patients with non-small cell lung cancer who show damage to the small blood vessels of their lung are more likely to have cancer recurrence. This important finding could lead to improvements in diagnostic imaging tools, treatment targets, and health outcomes in lung cancer patients. First author Andrew Synn, MD received the Lung Association Catalyst award and George Washko, MD, is an ACRC investigator.

This study examined the effectiveness of COVID-19 vaccination in organ transplant recipients (who have therapeutically suppressed immunity) and found that a third vaccine dose increased serum antibody concentrations comparable to healthy controls, critical for protection. This is important to improve our understanding of how to protect the most vulnerable populations against COVID-19. Senior Author Marcia B. Goldberg was awarded the Lung Association COVID-19 Respiratory Virus Research Award.

This study found that a glycoprotein called CEACAM1 protects liver function after liver transplant. This is important because CEACAM1 mRNA expression can potentially be a marker of liver quality and eventual treatment outcomes, and an excellent example of how research performed by a lung scientist can have impact in other disease states and organ systems. Co-Author Xiaoyi Yuan, PhD was awarded the Lung Association Catalyst Award for her work evaluating mRNA as a therapeutic target for ARDS.

This longitudinal study found that people who used tobacco and had respiratory symptoms but preserved spirometry had significantly more exacerbations on follow up. This is important because people who smoke cigarettes may not have airflow obstructions but can still experience respiratory symptoms yet are excluded from COPD trials, and thus lack evidence-based therapies. Co-author MeiLan Han, MD is a National Volunteer Medical Spokesperson for the American Lung Association and ACRC investigator.

This study found that bronchodilator response (BDR) was not associated with patient-oriented outcomes of asthma control or symptoms. This finding is important because it questions the continued use of BDR in clinical assessment, and further research will lead to improved tracking and treatment of patients with asthma, using tests and scores that more accurately reflect their current disease state. This study was performed by the American Lung Association Airways Clinical Research Centers.

This study discovered a new and reliable method to measure a peptide called proline-glycine-proline (PGP) in human plasma. This is important because PGP levels could be a potential biomarker for chronic lung disease and cancer, and this method could lead to disease detection earlier, and potentially be a therapeutic target. Senior Author J. Michael Wells MD was funded by an American Lung Association ACRC Pilot award.