Previously Funded Research

Alexander Drilon, MD

Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center

Research Project:

Targeted therapy for lung cancers with MET gene mutations

Summary:

MET exon 14 alterations are mutations of the MET gene that drive lung cancer growth and development. Patients whose tumors contain these mutations can benefit substantially from targeted therapy with a MET inhibitor. Unfortunately, resistance to therapy eventually develops. Dr. Drilon’s research is focused on understanding the biology behind MET exon 14 alterations, and more importantly, is geared towards finding out why tumors with these mutations develop resistance to treatment. By gaining a greater understanding of these processes, the goal is to eventually identify new targeted therapies that will work more efficiently both in up-front treatment, and in the setting of resistance.