2008 UALC
Sizhi Gao, MD, PhD
Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center
Research Project:
IL-6/Jak Inhibition for the Treatment of Lung Cancer
Summary:
While EGFR inhibitors can be very effective in initial treatment of patients harboring EGFR mutations, patients quickly develop resistance to these treatments. Dr. Gao is focusing on a secondary pathway activated in lung cancer, Stat3/IL-6. Activation of Stat3 is linked to both increased angiogenesis and promoting chemotherapy resistance, and leads to increased production of the tumor-promoting factor IL-6. Dr. Gao is investigating whether inhibiting this pathway will be an effective treatment for EGFR- and chemotherapy-resistant lung cancer.
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Final Report
Dr. Gao has continued his studies using a new inhibitor, with similar if not better pharmacological properties than the original inhibitor. This work showed repression of growth and angiogenesis in three EGFR TKI-resistant NSCLC lines. He has also continued investigating the role of IL-6 (a downstream target of Jak/Stat), demonstrating a role in tumor progression. This work further supports the IL-6/Jak pathway as a target for TKI-resistant NSCLC. Dr. Gao will continue his studies investigating the mechanism by which this pathway inhibits tumor formation as well as understanding potential resistance mechanisms.