Anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK)

A gene that is commonly rearranged in lung cancer. This is an actionable mutation

Dissecting the role of negative feedback inhibition in ALK+ lung cancer

Career Development Award
Christine Lovly, MD, PhD
Vanderbilt University School of Medicine
Nashville
TN

A subset of lung cancer patients have mutations in a gene called ALK. Dr. Lovly will identify new molecular targets that can be blocked in combination with ALK inhibitors to overcome the resistance that often develops after successful treatment and to promote better responses.

Molecular predictors of outcome in non-small cell lung cancer

Career Development Award
Christopher A. Maher, PhD
Washington University in St. Louis
St. Louis
MO

Dr. Maher is working to improve on the accuracy and usability of tests that identify lung cancer patients who are likely to relapse. He is using next-generation sequencing techniques to develop a signature set of key genetic changes  and convert it to a clinical test that will be able to predict who is at high risk for relapse.