New treatments for KEAP1-mutant KRAS lung cancer
Novel approaches to target KEAP1 mutant tumors
Trying drugs and genetic methods to block tumor sugar-processing pathways to slow aggressive KRAS-driven lung cancer in people whose tumors have KEAP1 mutations.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | New York University School of Medicine NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New York, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11301809 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers are testing genetic and drug-based ways to block the polyol and fructolysis pathways that KEAP1-mutant lung tumors use for energy. They will use lab-grown tumor cells and animal models that carry KRAS and KEAP1 mutations to see whether these approaches stop or slow tumor growth. The team will also test combining the approved KRAS G12C drug sotorasib with a KHK inhibitor to see if the combination works better in models that resist standard treatments. The goal is to find molecular signs, like NRF2 hyperactivation, that could help identify patients who might benefit from these targeted therapies.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with KRAS-mutant lung adenocarcinoma whose tumors carry KEAP1 loss-of-function mutations or show NRF2 pathway hyperactivation.
Not a fit: Patients without KRAS mutations or without KEAP1/NRF2 activation, or those with other types of cancer, are unlikely to benefit from these specific approaches.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Could lead to new targeted or combination treatment options for people with KEAP1-mutant KRAS lung adenocarcinoma who do not respond to current therapies.
How similar studies have performed: Laboratory studies indicate KEAP1-mutant tumors have targetable metabolic changes, but these metabolic-targeting strategies have not yet been proven effective in patients.
Where this research is happening
New York, United States
- New York University School of Medicine — New York, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Papagiannakopoulos, Thales — New York University School of Medicine
- Study coordinator: Papagiannakopoulos, Thales
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.