Grant: Project Grant

Lung cancer is one of the deadliest cancers worldwide. Some forms of lung cancer are driven by genetic changes in genes called EGFR and KRAS. While there are drugs designed to target these mutations, they often stop working over time because cancer cells find ways to survive. This project aims to uncover how cancer cells become resistant to treatment and find new ways to prevent this from happening. First, we will use a special genetic tool called the "Sleeping Beauty" system to discover the hidden changes in cancer cells that help them survive drug treatments. In parallel, we will confirm which of these changes are truly important by using advanced gene-editing techniques (CRISPR) in lab-grown cancer cells and mouse models. Finally, we will test new drug combinations to see if we can block these survival tricks and make current treatments work better and last longer. Our goal is to help develop smarter, more effective treatments for lung cancer patients, giving them better chances for longer, healthier lives.