LUNGevity Funds Innovative Research to Expand Lung Cancer Workforce

The LUNGevity Foundation has announced a significant investment in lung cancer research with four new awards aimed at expanding the workforce dedicated to this critical area of oncology. The initiative, revealed on November 20, 2025, emphasizes the foundation’s commitment to enhancing patient outcomes for those diagnosed with lung cancer.

With over $55 million allocated to lung cancer research in the past two decades, LUNGevity is focusing on cultivating a vibrant community of researchers who can address pressing challenges in lung cancer care. As stated by Upal Basu Roy, PhD, MPH, 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.” The foundation’s awards target areas such as lifestyle risk factors, screening access, drug resistance, and treatment effectiveness.

Research Awards and Their Impact

The recipients of the 2025 Translational Research Program Awards include emerging investigators whose projects promise to drive innovation in lung cancer treatment. The awarded projects span various aspects of lung cancer research, each addressing significant health disparities and treatment challenges.

Among the notable recipients is Michael Oh, MD, from the University of California, Los Angeles. He received a total of $100,000 for his work on enhancing antitumor immune responses with a dendritic cell vaccine for non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Dr. Oh’s research aims to improve outcomes for patients who currently do not benefit from existing immunotherapies due to low immune activity around tumors. By developing a CCL21-DC vaccine, he is working to train the immune system to better target and destroy cancer cells.

Another awardee, Lauren Kearney, MD, from the Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, is focusing on the disparities faced by Black veterans, who experience higher rates of lung cancer diagnosis and poorer outcomes. Kearney’s project involves co-designing and pilot testing a lung cancer screening (LCS) awareness toolkit specifically for this demographic. This initiative aims to overcome barriers to screening by addressing issues of distrust in healthcare and lack of awareness.

Innovative Approaches to Lung Cancer Treatment

The awards also include a grant to Adam Grippin, MD, PhD, at the MD Anderson Cancer Center, who is working on the integration of mRNA vaccines with radiation therapy for NSCLC. His research, supported by a $50,000 grant in partnership with the American Society for Radiation Oncology, seeks to enhance the efficacy of treatments and combat drug resistance in lung cancer, potentially leading to improved survival rates for patients.

Additionally, Joyce Ogidigo, PhD, from Columbia University, received $100,000 to investigate the connection between obesity and lung cancer. Her research will explore how obesity influences the development of lung cancer, using a diet-induced obesity mouse model to examine the underlying mechanisms. By identifying obesity-specific molecular pathways, Ogidigo aims to pave the way for personalized treatment approaches for patients grappling with both conditions.

Through these strategic awards, LUNGevity is positioning itself as a leader in fostering innovation and addressing critical gaps in lung cancer research. The foundation’s ongoing commitment to health equity and improved patient outcomes underscores its vision of a future where lung cancer is no longer a leading cause of mortality.

The LUNGevity Foundation continues to advocate for comprehensive resources, including patient support and education, to ensure that all individuals affected by lung cancer receive the care they need. With a mission focused on transforming the lung cancer landscape, LUNGevity is dedicated to building a future where no one dies from lung cancer.