Metastatic
Cancer that has spread to other parts of the body
Overcoming Innate Immune Resistance in ALK-Rearranged Lung Cancer
Characterization of Anti-ALK Immunologic Responses in ALK-Positive NSCLC
Integrated Blood-Based and Radiographic Interception of Lung Cancer
The SU2C-LUNGevity Foundation-American Lung Association Lung Cancer Interception Translational Research Team, headed by LUNGevity Scientific Advisory Board (SAB) member Dr. Lecia Sequist, is developing a lung cancer interception assay (LCIA) that can be used in conjunction with low-dose CT scans. This assay will be based on an integration of several blood-based assays that examine circulating tumor cells and circulating tumor DNA.
Identification of predictive markers of toxicity to immunotherapy
Side effects associated with immunotherapy (immune-related adverse events or irAEs) with checkpoint inhibitors are different from those seen in other treatment approaches, such as chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and targeted therapies. Their onset is unpredictable, so irAEs require different side-effect management strategies. Dr. Altan is studying how we can predict which patients will develop irAEs so that the best therapy can be selected and symptom management can be proactive.
Targeted Combination Therapy for Lung Cancer Carcinogenesis
Bexarotene is a synthetic form of retinoid acid (Vitamin A) that has the potential for use in lung cancer chemoprevention. Dr. Petty is conducting a clinical trial with a treatment combination of bexarotene and erlotinib (Tarceva) in EGFR-positive patients who have metastatic non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). He is also evaluating biomarkers that will predict response to the combination regimen.
Targeting Gamma-Secretase and the Notch Pathway in Lung Cancer
Dr. Dang is studying the anti-tumor effect of gamma-secretases inhibitors, compounds that inhibit activation of the Notch pathway that is active in lung cancer cells. She is studying its effect both alone and in combination with traditional chemotherapy and targeted therapy.
CHFR methylation as novel predictor for chemotherapy response in NSCLC
The CHFR gene is a gene that has undergone changes in its DNA. Dr. Brandes is studying how the CHFR gene predicts a non-small cell lung cancer patient’s response to chemotherapy.