2011 Free to Breathe Young Investigator Research Grant
Peter Hammerman, MD, PhD
Dana-Farber Cancer Institute
Research Project:
Genetic Changes Affecting Squamous Cell Lung Cancer
Summary:
Squamous cell lung cancer makes up about 25% of lung cancer cases, and previous studies have shown that changes in two genes, DDR2 and FGFR1, occur in about 20-25% of these tumors. Dr. Hammerman hopes to establish whether these genetic changes are important in the development of squamous lung cancer, and if so, whether drugs targeted to these genes will lead to tumor shrinkage. Eventually, Dr. Hammerman hopes to make DDR2 and FGFR1 inhibitors available in clinical trials.