Why We Need Research
When it comes to lung cancer, research is critical. It drives the discovery of better treatments, earlier detection and prevention strategies, all of which improve survival and quality of life for patients. The American Lung Association continues to invest in a full portfolio of lung cancer research. While progress has been made, lung cancer remains the leading cause of cancer deaths in the U.S. Indeed, our sights are set on doing more.
Our Lung Cancer Research Program
The Lung Association is committed to advancing lung cancer research. As part of our Awards and Grants Program, we focus on scientific research targeting lung cancer prevention, treatment and quality of life. The primary goal of this lung cancer research program is simple: to improve and save lives. The secondary goal is almost as important: to fund lung cancer researchers at important career crossroads to gain long-term commitment to lung cancer research. Without the life-long dedication of lung cancer researchers and a large and active community of researchers dedicated to pursuing novel discoveries, important, lifesaving and much-needed breakthroughs would be impossible.
What Research Is Being Done?
Thanks to the medical breakthroughs led by Lung Association researchers and their colleagues worldwide, our research team has made significant contributions to the field of lung cancer. For example, biomarker testing and targeted therapies have advanced personalized treatment (finding the unique genetic makeup of a person's tumor and developing and using drugs that are designed to be most effective for that patient).
Examples of Lung Association-funded research target areas :
- Applying new technologies to detect cancer earlier
- Finding out why some nonsmokers develop lung cancer
- Discovering new biomarkers as an early warning system to detect the spread of lung cancer
- Using innovative approaches to understand how cancer progresses
- Decoding the genetic mechanisms which cause lung cancer
- Understanding how the structure and regulation of chromosomes affect lung cancer
- Using cutting-edge technology to advance treatment and patient care
- Understanding sex differences to customize lung cancer treatments
- Using next-generation nanotechnology to target lung cancer
- Using a virus to treat lung cancer
- Overcoming obstacles for cellular immunotherapy against lung cancer
- Delivering patient-forward advances in healthcare
- Improving quality of life and access to healthcare for lung cancer patients after completing therapy
- Reversing drug resistance in lung cancers
- Identifying metabolic alterations in lung cancer-associated cachexia
- Testing methods to increase lung cancer screening among Quitline callers
Research Partnerships
Lung Cancer Interception Dream Team
As a collaborative effort with the LUNGevity Foundation, the Lung Cancer Interception Team leverages a new approach to lung cancer prevention: cancer interception.
How You Can Be a Part of Research
Read questions and answers about clinical trials and see Lung Association’s listing of current trials.
Download our checklist to help you talk with your doctor about clinical trials.
Page last updated: September 25, 2025
