Why some EGFR-positive lung cancers change into small cell or squamous types
Drivers of histologic transformation in EGFR-mutant lung cancer
This project looks for the molecular switches that let EGFR-mutant lung cancers change into other tumor types that stop responding to EGFR drugs.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Sloan-Kettering Inst Can Research NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New York, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11191536 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers will compare tumors taken from patients before and after they change type, using samples where different histologies are present in the same tumor. They will analyze DNA mutations and epigenetic patterns and use patient-derived models to test which changes drive the switch. The team focuses on tumors with EGFR mutations and additional TP53 and RB1 alterations that appear especially likely to transform. The work uses patient tumor tissue and lab models to pinpoint targets that might stop or reverse the change.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with EGFR-mutant lung adenocarcinoma, especially those whose tumors also have TP53 and RB1 alterations or show mixed histology, would be most relevant to this research.
Not a fit: Patients without EGFR mutations or those with unrelated lung cancer types are unlikely to benefit directly from this specific work.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the work could reveal targets or markers to prevent or treat lineage switching and help keep EGFR therapies effective longer.
How similar studies have performed: Prior work has shown TP53 and RB1 changes are linked to transformation, but the precise molecular and epigenetic drivers remain largely unproven.
Where this research is happening
New York, United States
- Sloan-Kettering Inst Can Research — New York, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Yu, Helena — Sloan-Kettering Inst Can Research
- Study coordinator: Yu, Helena
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.