Investigating drug resistance in specific lung cancer mutations and developing targeted treatments
Official title: Molecular features impacting drug resistance in atypical EGFR exon 18 and exon 20 mutant non-small cell lung cancers and the development of novel mutant-selective inhibitors
Funded at University of Tx Md Anderson Can Ctr · NIH-10818397 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain unusual changes in the EGFR gene make it harder for non-small cell lung cancer patients to respond to current treatments, and it's testing a new drug called poziotinib that might work better for those with these specific changes.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Tx Md Anderson Can Ctr NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Houston, United States) |
| Project start | April 1, 2020 |
| Project end | September 30, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $549,195 |
| NIH project number | 5R01CA247975-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-10818397 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are patients diagnosed with non-small cell lung cancer who have atypical EGFR mutations in exon 18 or exon 20.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with classical EGFR mutations or those without EGFR mutations may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding the molecular features that contribute to drug resistance in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients with atypical EGFR mutations, specifically those in exon 18 and exon 20. The study aims to develop novel inhibitors that selectively target these mutations, which are resistant to existing treatments. By analyzing the structural and functional characteristics of these mutations, researchers are working to identify effective therapies that can improve patient outcomes. The research includes clinical trials testing a promising drug, poziotinib, which has shown potential in treating these specific mutations.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective treatments for patients with atypical EGFR mutations in lung cancer, improving their survival and quality of life.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown success with similar targeted therapies in other cancer types, indicating potential for this approach in treating atypical EGFR mutations.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Tx Md Anderson Can Ctr
Houston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Heymach, John V. — University of Tx Md Anderson Can Ctr
- Study coordinator: Heymach, John V.
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
TRIM28 Inhibition for NOTCH2-Mutant Small Cell Lung Cancer
A new approach aims to exploit a weakness in a subset of small cell lung cancer by turning on immune-related signals when NOTCH2 is lost, potentially making tumors more visible to the immune system.
-
Genomic factors shaping lung cancer risk in Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders
This NIH grant focuses on understanding why Native Hawaiians, Pacific Islanders, and African Americans have higher lung cancer risk and poorer outcomes by studying tumor DNA and related molecular patterns.
-
PD-L1 PET tracer to guide immune therapy in non-small cell lung cancer
A Johns Hopkins team is testing a Gallium-68 PET tracer to better guide immune checkpoint therapy for people with non-small cell lung cancer.
-
Targeting SMARCA2 to treat lung cancers that lack SMARCA4
This work looks at whether blocking a protein called SMARCA2 can slow or stop lung cancers that have lost the related gene SMARCA4.
-
New medicines for lung cancers caused by KRAS or BRAF changes
Testing new medicines that block ERK/RAF signaling in people with lung cancer driven by KRAS or BRAF mutations.
-
Understanding lung cancer risks in Native Hawaiians
This research looks at the genetic differences in lung cancer among Native Hawaiians to better understand why they face higher risks and poorer outcomes.
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.