Research News

The American Lung Association is funding cutting-edge research in the area of lung health. This page features the most recent published research, studies, reports and editorials by American Lung Association Research Team.

October 5, 2023

Ablative radiation alone in stage I lung cancer produces an adaptive systemic immune response: insights from a prospective study

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.

September 15, 2023

Mycobacterium tuberculosis impairs human memory CD4+ T cell recognition of M2 but not M1- like macrophages

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.

September 5, 2023

Neoadjuvant immune checkpoint blockade: A window of opportunity to advance cancer immunotherapy

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.

September 1, 2023

Telemedicine-based inspiratory muscle training and walking promotion with lung cancer survivors following curative intent therapy: a parallel-group pilot randomized trial

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.

August 17, 2023

Relative Loss of Small Pulmonary Vessels on Imaging and Risk of Recurrence of Resected Lung Adenocarcinoma

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.

August 10, 2023

Delayed and Attenuated Antibody Responses to Coronavirus Disease 2019 Vaccination with Poor-Cross variant neutralization in solid-organ transplant recipients – a prospective longitudinal study

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.

August 2, 2023

Alternative splicing of CEACAM1 by hypoxia-inducible factor–1α enhances tolerance to hepatic ischemia in mice and humans

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.

August 1, 2023

Longitudinal Follow-Up of Participants With Tobacco Exposure and Preserved Spirometry

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.

August 1, 2023

Bronchodilator response does not associate with asthma control or symptom burden among patients with poorly controlled asthma

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.

August 1, 2023

LC-MS/MS method for proline-glycine-proline and acetylated proline-glycine-proline in human plasma

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.

If you are an American Lung Association Researcher and would like your work highlighted, please send your publication and a short lay summary to ResearchNews@lung.org.

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