Targeting EGFR‑mutant lung cancer cells that resist targeted drugs
Official title: Targeting EGFR mutant tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) resistant and drug-tolerant persister cells in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC)
Funded at University of Tx Md Anderson Can Ctr · NIH-11188967 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This project tests lab and translational approaches to eliminate EGFR‑mutant lung cancer cells that survive targeted drugs, for people with EGFR‑positive non‑small cell lung cancer.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| 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 | September 21, 2021 |
| Project end | August 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $101,401 |
| NIH project number | 5R50CA265307-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-11188967 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
People with EGFR‑mutant non‑small cell lung cancer, especially those with residual disease or tumors that have started to resist EGFR inhibitors, would be the most relevant.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without EGFR mutations or with unrelated cancer types are unlikely to receive direct benefit from these specific findings.
What this research studies
If you have EGFR‑positive non‑small cell lung cancer, the team is studying the small population of tumor cells that survive EGFR inhibitors and later cause relapse. They analyze patient tumor samples and use lab models to map pathways (including YAP/FOXM1 and inflammatory signals like IL‑6 and stress hormones) that let these drug‑tolerant persister cells survive. The researchers will test drug combinations and targets in preclinical models that could be moved into clinical testing. The overall aim is to find treatments that prevent or delay resistance and relapse after EGFR‑targeted therapy.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new drugs or combinations that reduce relapse and improve outcomes for patients with EGFR‑mutant NSCLC.
How similar studies have gone: Previous work from this group and others has moved some lab findings into early clinical testing and shows promise, though specifically targeting persister cells remains an emerging strategy.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Tx Md Anderson Can Ctr
Houston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Nilsson, Monique B — University of Tx Md Anderson Can Ctr
- Study coordinator: Nilsson, Monique B
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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.