2012 UALC
Zhao Chen, PhD
Dana-Farber Cancer Institute
Research Project:
In vivo characterization of MEK/Erk addiction in lung cancer survival and acquired resistance
Summary:
Dr. Chen’s research is focused on improving treatment for a subset of non-small cell lung cancer patients with tumors harboring activating Kras mutations, representing approximately 30% of patients with no currently available targeted therapy. Dr. Chen is using pre-clinical models to study the MEK/Erk pathway, a major pathway involved in cell growth activated by Kras, and the target of many drugs currently in clinical development. His studies will help understand whether this pathway is required for Kras driven lung cancer maintenance and inform new treatment strategies for these patients.