Targeted protein-degrading therapy for ALK-positive lung cancer
Official title: Developing a Selective PROTAC of Anaplastic Lymphoma Kinase for Treatment of ALK+ NSCLC
Funded at Xavier University of Louisiana · NIH-11324895 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A new type of drug (PROTAC) aims to selectively break down the ALK cancer driver in ALK-positive NSCLC to overcome resistance to current treatments.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Xavier University of Louisiana NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New Orleans, United States) |
| Project start | September 24, 2009 |
| Project end | March 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $474,028 |
| NIH project number | 5U54MD007595-19 |
| Project ID | NIH-11324895 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates are adults with ALK-positive NSCLC or related ALK-fusion cancers who have limited response to current ALK inhibitors and could be eligible for future trials.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without ALK-positive NSCLC or whose tumors do not rely on the ALK fusion protein may not benefit from this approach.
What this research studies
This project focuses on a novel approach to treat ALK-positive non-small cell lung cancer by using PROTACs to cause the cancer-causing EML4-ALK fusion protein to be degraded inside tumor cells. The work involves designing small molecules that link an ALK-targeting piece with a component that recruits the cell’s protein-degrading machinery, promoting destruction of the cancer driver. Researchers will test these PROTACs in cellular models to see if they effectively reduce ALK fusion protein levels and suppress cancer-like behavior. The goal is to overcome resistance seen with existing ALK inhibitors and extend the time patients respond to therapy.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could lead to a new treatment that degrades the cancer-causing ALK fusion and potentially slow or halt tumor growth in patients.
How similar studies have gone: Previous approaches targeting ALK with inhibitors have faced resistance, and PROTACs represent a promising but still under-evaluated strategy in this disease area.
Where this research is happening
-
Xavier University of Louisiana
New Orleans, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Huckaba, Thomas M — Xavier University of Louisiana
- Study coordinator: Huckaba, Thomas M
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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.