Previously Funded Research

cancer remains the leading cause of cancer death worldwide. Mutations that

activate epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) account for most of

mutations in advanced lung cancer. Tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs), showed

therapeutic efficacy when such EGFR mutations are present. However, patients

frequently develop resistance to TKIs with secondary mutations. Among them, a

new point mutation called C797S occurred after 3rd generation TKI (AZD9291)

treatment and is the major mechanism that causes cancer relapse and death.

Currently, there is no treatment for patients with this type of EGFR

mutation. In this project, we will generate killer T cells from relapsed

patients specific to this mutation and apply them for T-cell immunotherapy.

Furthermore, using the most state-of-art induced-pluripotent stem (iPS) cell

technology, we will try to rejuvenate such killer T cells for higher killing

activity and to provide unlimited supply for treatment. We will perform this

proof-of-concept study in collaboration with Stanford oncologists.