Blocking YAP to help targeted lung cancer treatments work better
Characterization of YAP as a rational companion target in lung cancer
['FUNDING_R01'] · UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, SAN FRANCISCO · NIH-11243328
Testing whether blocking a protein called YAP can help targeted treatments work better for people with certain non-small cell lung cancers.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, SAN FRANCISCO (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (SAN FRANCISCO, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11243328 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
This project looks at why some lung cancers survive targeted drugs by entering a drug-tolerant “persister” state and focuses on a protein called YAP that seems to help those cells survive. Researchers will use laboratory and preclinical models, building on earlier findings, to track YAP activity during treatment with drugs that target EGFR, ALK, KRAS, and related pathways. The team plans to identify ways to block YAP to reduce minimal residual disease and slow or prevent the development of drug resistance. Strong lab results could lead to testing new combination approaches in future patient trials.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with non-small cell lung adenocarcinoma driven by EGFR, ALK, KRAS, or similar RTK‑RAS‑MAPK alterations—especially those starting or already on targeted therapies—would be the most likely candidates for related future trials.
Not a fit: Patients whose tumors do not rely on RTK‑RAS‑MAPK signaling or YAP, or those needing immediate standard-of-care treatments rather than experimental combinations, may not benefit from this approach.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, blocking YAP could reduce treatment resistance and delay or prevent cancer relapse for some patients on targeted therapies.
How similar studies have performed: Preclinical work, including the team's earlier studies, has shown YAP activation in drug-tolerant lung cancer cells and suggests promise, but clinical benefit in patients has not yet been proven.
Where this research is happening
SAN FRANCISCO, UNITED STATES
- UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, SAN FRANCISCO — SAN FRANCISCO, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: BIVONA, TREVER G — UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, SAN FRANCISCO
- Study coordinator: BIVONA, TREVER G
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.