New medicines for lung cancers caused by KRAS or BRAF changes

Targeting the ERK Pathway in RAS - and BRAF-Driven Lung Cancers

NIH-funded research Sloan-Kettering Inst Can Research · NIH-11265093

Testing new medicines that block ERK/RAF signaling in people with lung cancer driven by KRAS or BRAF mutations.

Quick facts

Grant typeP01 program project
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionSloan-Kettering Inst Can Research NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (New York, United States)
Project IDNIH-11265093 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This project focuses on lung tumors caused by KRAS or BRAF genetic changes that hijack the ERK pathway. Researchers are studying drugs that block RAF dimers, including a pan-RAF inhibitor and a "dimer breaker," and are looking at how these drugs affect tumor cells and patients. They plan to test combination treatments to overcome resistance that develops with current RAF-targeted therapies. Eligible patients may be offered these experimental treatments at Memorial Sloan Kettering as part of early-phase clinical work.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: People with advanced or metastatic lung cancer whose tumors have KRAS mutations or BRAF mutations (particularly class 2 or 3, or tumors resistant to prior RAF inhibitors) are the most likely candidates.

Not a fit: Patients whose lung cancers lack KRAS or BRAF mutations, or those who are not eligible for early-phase trials due to medical reasons or inability to travel, are unlikely to benefit directly.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: Could provide new effective treatment options for lung cancers with KRAS- or BRAF-driven ERK activation, especially tumors that no longer respond to current RAF inhibitors.

How similar studies have performed: Related drugs (pan-RAF inhibitors and dimer disrupters) have shown clinical activity in early-phase trials, but durable responses and resistance remain challenges.

Where this research is happening

New York, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Conditions Cancers
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.