Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC)

Dr. González Santamaria is investigating how the degradation of certain tumor suppressors (genes that stop cancer development) is accelerated and how that of certain onco-proteins (proteins that cause cancer) is slowed down in lung tumors. Her research will provide a platform for predicting the outcome for lung cancer patients.

Fibroblasts are cells found in different tissues of the body, including lung tissue. Dr. Arenberg is studying differences in the types of proteins made by tumor-derived lung fibroblast cells and by normal lung fibroblast cells. With an understanding of which proteins make a tumor-derived fibroblast behave in such a way as to promote tumor growth and spread, there is potential to therapeutically target them.

Dr. Haura’s hypothesis is that the tyrosine kinase SRC and the protein Stat3 are ideal targets for cancer therapy in lifelong non-smokers who develop lung cancer resulting from EGFR mutations. He is conducting experiments to demonstrate that inhibitors of SRC and/or Stat3 can kill cancer cells. Such inhibitors may have additive effect when used in connection with EGFR inhibitors such as gefitinib or erlotinib.

Dr. Verghese is determining the roles of prostatin and its inhibitor, placental bikunin, in regulating the spread of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) to other parts of the body; his research may identify new tumor markers and therapeutic targets.

Dr. Powell is identifying and characterizing molecular changes that are important in lung adenocarcinoma differentiation (changes in cancer cell shape and size) and invasiveness (ability to spread to other parts of the body). His long-term goal is to use these biomarkers to facilitate early diagnosis, refine prognostic assessment, and develop new therapeutic targets for lung cancer treatment and prevention.

By modeling acquired resistance to gefitinib and erlotinib in the laboratory using a non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cell line that is sensitive to these drugs, Dr. Sharma hopes to uncover the molecular basis for acquired resistance of NSCLC to these targeted therapeutics as well as clues to overcoming this resistance.

Dr. Meyerson is exploring how a mutation in the EGFR cells can lead to cancer as well as what the mechanisms are for acquired resistance to EGFR therapies.

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.

Transcription factors are specialized proteins that translate the DNA footprint of cells to make RNA, which eventually helps to make proteins. Dr. Blancafort plans to use artificial transcription factors (ATFs) to identify and regulate genes involved in lung cancer disease progression. This research will lead to the identification of new markers of progression that could be used as early predictors of lung cancer.

Dr. Nana-Sinkam is delineating the role of microRNA expression profiling in the diagnosis, management, and prognosis of lung cancer. He is testing whether microRNA expression profiles are detectable in the  blood of lung cancer patients. He will compare individuals with lung cancer with current and former smokers without lung cancer.