2016 Lung Cancer Research Foundation Annual Grant Program
Yasir Elamin, MD
The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center
Research Project:
Identification and targeting primary resistance mechanisms in lung cancer patients with EGFR mutations
Summary:
| Mutations
in the EGFR gene can drive lung cancer cells growth, survival and spread. Patients whose tumors contain these mutations can benefit substantially from targeted therapy with an EGFR inhibitor. Unfortunately, a subset of these patients do not respond to EGFR inhibitors. Dr Elamin’s study will focus on this group of lung cancer patients with primary resistance to currently available EGFR inhibitors. Specifically, he will study a novel EGFR inhibitor with promising activity in lung cancer patients. Working with a group of clinicians and scientists, they will analyze DNA, RNA and protein obtained from patients treated within a clinical study of this novel EGFR inhibitor. The team will then determine the mechanisms by which lung cancer cells evade treatment. They will also study potential resistance mechanisms and treatment strategies that may overcome resistance in mouse models. The overall goal of this study is provide EGFR mutant lung cancer patients with a new effective treatment option. |