In honor of Katie McDonald*
Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death worldwide and deeply affects many families. Twenty years ago, the discovery of mutations in the Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor (EGFR) gene and therapies that were effective for these tumors (targeted therapies) transformed the field and the lives of patients with this disease. This remarkable progress resulting from targeted therapies is countered by the fact that metastatic EGFR-driven lung cancer remains incurable due to the emergence of drug resistance. Therefore, there is an urgent need to improve treatment of EGFR-driven lung cancer so people live longer and ultimately cure the disease. Through our studies we have found new possible drug targets in this disease. In this proposal, we plan to understand whether these are new targets and how they work. We will also test drugs that have been developed against these targets in mouse and human models of EGFR-driven lung cancer. These studies will allow us to develop the foundation for designing a clinical trial for patients with EGFR-driven lung cancer with the goal of finding better ways of preventing and/or overcoming drug resistance and improving and extending the lives of people living with this disease.
