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Research Database
Targeted Therapeutics Research Award
Regulation of Non-small Cell Lung Cancer Invasion by Membrane Serine Proteinases and Antiproteinases
George M. Verghese, MD
University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA
Funded equally by LUNGevity Foundation and the American Thoracic Society
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.
Targeted Therapeutics Research Award
Patrick C. Ma, MD
University of Chicago, Chicago, IL
Funded equally by LUNGevity Foundation and the Illinois Chapter of the American Cancer Society
Dr. Ma has identified mutations in the protein c-Met that may provide lung tumor cells the ability to metastasize. Dr. Ma is studying the role of c-Met and its genetic alterations in lung adenocarcinoma to better understand their functional implications.
Targeted Therapeutics Research Award
William Pao, MD, PhD
Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY
Funded by LUNGevity Foundation in collaboration with The CHEST Foundation, the philanthropic arm of the American College of Chest Physicians
Dr. Pao’s research may determine whether specific mutations in tyrosine kinase genes make lung tumors vulnerable to EGFR-TKIs. A comprehensive analysis of the tyrosine kinase in lung cancers could also lead to new opportunities for drug development and more personalized molecularly targeted therapies.
Targeted Therapeutics Research Award
Nicholas Vlahakis, MD
Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN
Funded equally by LUNGevity Foundation and American Lung Association National Office
Angiogenesis is the process by which cancer cells recruit blood vessels to the tumor. This aids the growth of cancer cells by providing nutrition and oxygen to them. Dr. Vlahakis is studying how a protein called VEGF-A interacts with certain proteins expressed on the surface of lung cells to control the angiogenesis process.
Targeted Therapeutics Research Award
Venkateshwar Keshamouni, PhD
University of Michigan, Detroit, MI
Funded equally by LUNGevity Foundation and American Lung Association National Office
Agents that activate the PPARgamma protein have already been used in the treatment of diabetes and atherosclerosis. Dr. Keshamouni is researching whether and how they affect the growth of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cells.
Targeted Therapeutics Research Award
Tamara Minko, PhD
Rutgers University, Highland Park, NJ
Funded equally by LUNGevity Foundation and American Lung Association National Office
Cancer cells develop resistance to chemotherapy drugs by 1) making proteins that neutralize the effects of chemotherapy (through a protein called Bcl-2) and 2) developing pumping systems that expel the drugs out of the cells (through a protein called MRP). Dr. Minko is studying how stopping the Bcl2 and MRP proteins will make lung cancer cells more sensitive to chemotherapy drugs.
Targeted Therapeutics Research Award
William Jeffrey Petty, MD
Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center, Lebanon, NH
Funded by LUNGevity Foundation in collaboration with The CHEST Foundation, the philanthropic arm of the American College of Chest Physicians
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.
Targeted Therapeutics Research Award
Alexei V. Bogolioubov, MD
Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY
Funded by LUNGevity Foundation in collaboration with The CHEST Foundation, the philanthropic arm of the American College of Chest Physicians
Surgery is often recommended for patients who have localized lung cancer. Dr. Bogolioubov is analyzing how fast lung cancer comes back after surgery to remove the primary tumor. He is also evaluating the role of chest CT radiography for post-operative follow-up.
Early Detection Research Award
Clinton H. Doerr, MD
Mayo Graduate School of Medicine, Rochester, MN
Funded by LUNGevity Foundation in collaboration with The CHEST Foundation, the philanthropic arm of the American College of Chest Physicians
Tests that improve the ability to detect tumors at their earliest stages have the potential to reduce lung cancer mortality. Dr. Doerr developed three fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) probe sets for the detection of lung cancer in cell specimens. His research is assessing the reliability of these probe sets and routine cell examination for the detection of lung cancer in cell specimens obtained from bronchoscopy.