Targeting telomerase to overcome drug resistance in lung cancer treatment

Targeting hTERT/telomerase for managing acquired resistance to third generation EGFR-TKIs in lung cancer

NIH-funded research Emory University · NIH-11067825

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 typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionEmory University NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Atlanta, United States)
Project IDNIH-11067825 on NIH RePORTER

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.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are adults with EGFR mutant non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) who have experienced treatment resistance.

Not a fit: Patients with lung cancer who do not have EGFR mutations or who have not undergone treatment with osimertinib may not benefit from this research.

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 performed: Previous research has shown promise in targeting telomerase in cancer therapies, indicating potential for success in this approach.

Where this research is happening

Atlanta, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Conditions Anti-Cancer Agentsanti-cancer druganti-cancer therapy
Last reviewed 2026-06-10 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.