When EGFR drugs can help cancers with RAS mutations
Redefining indications of EGFR inhibitors in cancers that harbor mutant RAS
This project looks at whether some colorectal cancers with specific KRAS mutations can still be helped by EGFR-targeted drugs.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Medical College of Wisconsin NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Milwaukee, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11176819 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers will examine how different KRAS mutations change cancer cell signaling and interaction with the tumor suppressor NF1 to determine why some tumors respond to EGFR therapies. They will test the most common KRAS mutants using laboratory models to see which mutants fail to bind NF1 and therefore might remain sensitive to EGFR inhibitors. The team will also try drugs that selectively target wild-type RAS activity in tumors that carry resistant KRAS alleles to see if that restores sensitivity. Results are intended to point toward which patients might benefit from existing EGFR drugs or new combination approaches.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates would be people with colorectal cancer whose tumor genetic testing shows specific KRAS mutations (for example G13D or other mutants that do not bind NF1).
Not a fit: Patients whose tumors carry KRAS mutations that strongly drive resistance and do not depend on wild-type RAS activation are less likely to benefit from EGFR inhibitors in this approach.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could identify subsets of colorectal cancer patients who could benefit from EGFR therapies despite having KRAS mutations and suggest combination treatments to overcome resistance.
How similar studies have performed: Some clinical data have suggested KRAS G13D tumors can respond to EGFR antibodies, but the idea is controversial and the broader mechanistic and therapeutic strategy is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
Milwaukee, United States
- Medical College of Wisconsin — Milwaukee, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Mcfall, Thomas Bradley — Medical College of Wisconsin
- Study coordinator: Mcfall, Thomas Bradley
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.