Stopping lung tumors from switching cell type to evade treatment
Targeting molecular mechanisms of the adeno-to-squamous transition in non-small cell lung cancer treatment adaptation
['FUNDING_R01'] · NEW YORK UNIVERSITY SCHOOL OF MEDICINE · NIH-11260201
New lab approaches aim to block a tumor change that lets some KRAS-mutant lung adenocarcinomas resist KRAS-targeting drugs like adagrasib.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | NEW YORK UNIVERSITY SCHOOL OF MEDICINE (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (NEW YORK, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11260201 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
Researchers at NYU are working to stop some lung adenocarcinomas from turning into a squamous form that makes them resistant to KRAS-blocking drugs. They will use tumor samples, patient-derived organoids, mouse models, and CRISPR genetic screens to find chromatin regulator proteins that drive the adeno-to-squamous transition. Promising targets will be disrupted genetically or with drugs in the lab to see if the transition and resistance can be prevented. The goal is to identify therapies that could be added to KRAS inhibitors to keep them effective longer.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with KRAS-mutant lung adenocarcinoma—especially those starting or currently on KRAS inhibitor treatment like adagrasib, or whose tumors show early signs of adeno-to-squamous change—are the most relevant.
Not a fit: Patients without KRAS mutations or whose cancers progress via purely genetic resistance mechanisms are unlikely to benefit from this specific approach.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could help some patients stay responsive to KRAS inhibitor therapy longer and reduce relapses caused by tumor cell-type switching.
How similar studies have performed: Early laboratory and animal work, including preliminary results from this team, suggests that targeting chromatin regulators can alter tumor cell states, but this approach remains experimental and unproven 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: YANAI, ITAI — NEW YORK UNIVERSITY SCHOOL OF MEDICINE
- Study coordinator: YANAI, ITAI
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.