2013 Free to Breathe Young Investigator Research Grant
Mohamed Abazeed, MD, PhD
Cleveland Clinic Foundation
Research Project:
New Targeted Therapies for Squamous Cell Lung Cancer
Summary:
For many people with lung cancer, adding innovative targeted therapies to standard treatments like chemotherapy and radiation can add precious years to life. However, for patients with advanced squamous cell lung cancer, the “targets” in targeted therapy have yet to be identified. Dr. Abazeed’s team and collaborators have discovered mutations in a gene called NFE2L2, which are linked to tumors being resistant to radiation and chemotherapy. These mutations are found in 1/3 of all squamous cell lung patients’ tumors. With this grant, Dr. Abazeed will work to create new treatments that target these gene mutations and overcome therapy resistance.