Using tumor ecology and evolution to prevent drug resistance in EGFR lung cancer
Exploiting Ecology and Evolution to Prevent Therapy Resistance in EGFR-Driven Lung Cancer
This project aims to stop or slow EGFR-mutated lung cancers from becoming resistant to targeted drugs by studying how tumor cells interact and evolve.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R37 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Cleveland Clinic Lerner Com-Cwru NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Cleveland, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11289296 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers will focus on EGFR-mutated non-small cell lung cancer and combine lab experiments with custom mathematical models to understand how resistance emerges. They will use a new "evolutionary game" lab assay and cell models to map interactions and competitive behaviors among cancer cell types. The team plans to identify ecological interactions that can be targeted to steer tumor evolution away from resistant states. Although primarily laboratory and modeling work, the findings are intended to point to new drug strategies and future clinical tests.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with EGFR-mutated non-small cell lung cancer, especially those on or considering EGFR-targeted therapies, are the population most likely to benefit from downstream results.
Not a fit: Patients without EGFR mutations or with cancers unrelated to EGFR are unlikely to benefit directly from this project, and it may not offer immediate treatment options.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new ways to delay or prevent resistance to EGFR-targeted therapies, improving how long those drugs work for patients.
How similar studies have performed: This builds on a growing field of evolutionary and adaptive therapy approaches that have shown early promise in some cancers but remain largely experimental for EGFR-driven lung cancer.
Where this research is happening
Cleveland, United States
- Cleveland Clinic Lerner Com-Cwru — Cleveland, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Scott, Jacob Gardinier — Cleveland Clinic Lerner Com-Cwru
- Study coordinator: Scott, Jacob Gardinier
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.