Previously Funded Research

James Kim, MD, PhD

Stanford University

Research Project:

Understanding Tumors with K-ras Mutation

Summary:

K-ras is a protein that is frequently mutated in lung cancers. In tumors, mutant K-ras can lead to the activation of the Hedgehog (Hh) pathway in the surrounding non-cancerous cells (also called stroma). The Hh pathway may be involved in causing stromal cells to promote the growth of cancer cells. This project seeks to understand the role of the Hh pathway in tumor growth, identify new factors that may be important for cancer growth, and test drug combinations that attack both the cancer cells and the surrounding stromal cells. The ultimate goal of Dr. Kim’s research is to identify new targeted treatments for tumors with an activated K-ras mutation.