In a year when a lack of federal funding threatened to stall progress in lung cancer research, the lung cancer community certainly stepped up. Support from generous donors and fundraisers made it possible for LCRF to fund $5 million in research grants during 2025 – more than any other funding year in its history.
The record 21 projects funded were selected from hundreds of applications, representing some of the brightest minds committed to improving outcomes for lung cancer patients.
A wide range of topics are being studied, from novel disease targets, predicting which patients will benefit most from immunotherapy, targets for small cell lung cancer, strategies for inhibitor-resistant lung cancer, screening in emergency patients, and more. These projects demonstrate profound promise to make a sustained and lasting impact on lung cancer research and outcomes.
“Our Scientific Advisory Board and Research Advocates reviewed hundreds of submissions, and we’re excited to support the work of these grantees,” said Colleen Conner Ziegler, Chair of LCRF’s Board of Directors and a patient with stage 4 lung cancer. “Keeping patients’ voices at the forefront of the research process is of utmost importance to LCRF and is evident in the projects that were selected for funding.”
“Each year, we are presented with many ideas that have the potential to change how we approach lung cancer prevention, detection and treatment,” said Kathryn O’Donnell, PhD, chair of LCRF’s Scientific Advisory Board and Associate Professor, Molecular Biology, UT Southwestern Medical Center. “At LCRF, we’re committed to funding the most innovative research projects that will have a positive impact on the lives of people living with lung cancer.”
“Funding investigators early in their careers is often the catalyst to keeping scientists focused on advancing their best science,” Dr. O’Donnell added. “With the current uncertainties of federal funding, including the elimination of the Congressionally Directed Medical Research Program’s lung cancer program, funding from organizations like LCRF becomes even more important in maintaining momentum in lung cancer research.”
LCRF funds projects that demonstrate profound promise to make a sustained and lasting impact on lung cancer research and outcomes. The strength of LCRF’s research program is underscored by the trust, generosity, commitment, and vision of its partners, fundraisers, and donors.
“LCRF is grateful to everyone who has made this grant cycle the largest in its history – 21 grant awards for more than $5 million,” said Aubrey Rhodes, LCRF’s Executive Director. “Ensuring that lung cancer research maintains momentum in an uncertain funding environment is of utmost importance. LCRF is committed to filling the funding gap. Working toward improving survival for people with lung cancer is our priority.”
With this year’s grants, LCRF’s total active research portfolio supports more than $21 million in lung cancer research projects. More funding for research means greater opportunities to uncover advances that will have a positive impact for patients.
Research announcements: