Targeting telomerase to overcome drug resistance in lung cancer treatment
Official title: Targeting hTERT/telomerase for managing acquired resistance to third generation EGFR-TKIs in lung cancer
Funded at Emory University · NIH-11067825 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how lung cancer cells become resistant to a treatment called osimertinib, and it aims to find new ways to make this treatment work better for patients by focusing on a protein that helps cancer cells grow.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Emory University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Atlanta, United States) |
| Project start | April 5, 2024 |
| Project end | March 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $437,402 |
| NIH project number | 5R01CA284386-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11067825 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are adults with EGFR mutant non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) who have experienced treatment resistance.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with lung cancer who do not have EGFR mutations or who have not undergone treatment with osimertinib may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how cancer cells develop resistance to a specific lung cancer treatment called osimertinib. It focuses on understanding the molecular mechanisms behind this resistance and aims to develop new strategies to counteract it. By targeting telomerase, a protein linked to cancer cell growth, the research seeks to improve treatment outcomes for patients with advanced lung cancer. Patients may benefit from new therapies that could enhance the effectiveness of existing treatments.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatment options for lung cancer patients who have developed resistance to current therapies.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in targeting telomerase in cancer therapies, indicating potential for success in this approach.
Where this research is happening
-
Emory University
Atlanta, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Sun, Shi-Yong — Emory University
- Study coordinator: Sun, Shi-Yong
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Blood-based markers to identify lung cancer risk in never-smokers
A researchers team at NYU School of Medicine is testing blood tests that might flag higher lung cancer risk in people who have never smoked, helping decide who might need screening.
-
Integrative Analysis of Lung Cancer Risk and Its Causes
A large, multi-part study at the University of New Mexico is exploring why lung cancer happens and how to better prevent and detect it.
-
Integrative Analysis of Lung Cancer Risk and Causes
A large NIH project is exploring how tobacco use, behavior, biology, and screening practices influence lung cancer risk and outcomes to help prevent and detect it earlier.
-
Digital health strategies to expand lung cancer screening in safety-net clinics
A funded project aims to help low-resource clinics increase the use of lung cancer screening for patients who smoke or are at risk.
-
Proteomics-guided matching of lung cancer tumors to preclinical models
This grant aims to improve how we match a patient’s lung cancer tumor to the right preclinical models using protein data.
-
Optimizing lung cancer care with smart tools for prevention, early detection, treatment, and survivorship
A U01 grant using AI and biomarkers to improve lung cancer prevention, screening, treatment, and survivorship care for people at risk or living with lung cancer.
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.