The research you fund through LCRF is making meaningful progress in the fight against lung cancer. We are pleased to share our 2023 grantees’ one-year updates in this series.
Francisco Expósito, PhD
Yale University
2023 LCRF Leading Edge Research Grant Program
What he’s doing:
Dr. Expósito is investigating a promising new approach to treating EGFR-driven lung cancer by studying the role of SETD2, a gene that normally helps suppress cancer formation. When SETD2 is lost, cancer growth can accelerate, particularly in EGFR+ lung adenocarcinoma.
How it’s going:
To better understand this process, Dr. Expósito has developed advanced genetic models that allow researchers to deactivate and restore SETD2 in cancer cells. His team is now preparing to study SETD2 in human tumor samples, which could provide critical insights into how manipulating this gene may create new therapeutic opportunities. His team is now preparing to study SETD2 in human tumor samples, which could provide critical insights into how manipulating this gene may create new therapeutic opportunities.
What it could mean for patients:
If successful, this research could lead to innovative strategies for targeting EGFR-mutated lung cancer, offering new hope for patients in need of better treatment options.