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Lung Cancer Research

Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University is an international leader in lung cancer research. Our patients have access to treatment options that aren’t available at other cancer centers.

Researching Lung Cancer Developing Novel Therapies at Winship

Lung cancer is the most lethal of all cancers, accounting for as many deaths each year as breast, prostate and colorectal cancers combined. But survival rates are improving, thanks to research being done across the country.

Winship Cancer Institute is honored to be one of only a select number of National Cancer Institute-designated Comprehensive Cancer Centers in the country and the only cancer center in Georgia initiating, leading and collaborating in lifesaving lung cancer research.

Lung Cancer Research at Winship

Lung cancer research at Winship leads to developing new treatments. In fact, the vast majority of FDA-approved drugs to treat lung cancer came out of clinical trials performed right here at Winship.

Of course, lung cancer research goes beyond developing new therapies. It also helps us better understand the disease and how to catch it sooner and more precisely diagnose it. Winship lung cancer researchers are leading the way and changing how the world prevents, detects, diagnoses, treats and survives lung cancer. We pioneer discoveries in the lab that are translated into the latest, most effective treatments in the clinic. Our bench-to-bedside research in lung cancer enables us to discover, develop and deliver game-changing procedures, technologies, diagnostics and treatments.

We also conduct what is called outcomes research. This involves analyzing massive amounts of data to identify which treatments are working and which aren’t for various types of lung cancer in patients across the country. We then use the data we gather to inform treatment decisions.

Winship’s Specialized Program of Research Excellence

The National Cancer Institute has recognized Winship’s lung cancer program as a Specialized Program of Research Excellence (SPORE). Only four institutions in the U.S. are designated SPOREs. Along with the recognition, we received a grant to support a portion of Winship’s key translational research projects aimed at achieving substantial improvements in outcomes among patients with non-small cell lung cancer. Research includes efforts designed to:

  • Improve immunotherapy for patients
  • Reduce resistance to targeted therapy
  • Develop novel approaches to overcome resistance to radiation and chemotherapy

Lung Cancer Clinical Trials

In addition to standard therapy, many Winship patients with lung cancer are eligible to participate in a clinical trial. Clinical trials are controlled studies that test new interventions on a disease, such as lung cancer. They offer participants early access to novel treatments that are not yet commercially available.

Participating in Lung Cancer Research

Clinical trials are the third step of a five-step process for testing new therapies as outlined by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). By the time a therapy comes to clinical trial, it has been tested in a laboratory setting and has passed preclinical safety standards.

As a research center, our physicians will make every effort to match you with a clinical trial that targets your unique cancer. It’s best if you enroll from the beginning, so let your doctor know on your first visit if you’re interested in learning more about a clinical trial. Most clinical trials are supplemental, meaning you’ll still receive the standard therapy in addition to any treatment being studied.

Support for Clinical Trial Participation

Winship conducts lung cancer research at the following locations:

We welcome trial participants from all over Georgia and beyond. Talk with your doctor about whether you are eligible to participate in a clinical trial. Our supportive oncology team can assist you with services, such as finding affordable accommodations near Winship for the duration of your clinical trial.