Innovative Approaches to RET-Positive Lung Cancer Research

Honoring Pioneers in Lung Cancer Research

Innovative research brings hope for new approaches to treat RET-positive lung cancer

The LUNGevity Foundation is excited to announce the 2024 recipients of the prestigious Hamoui Foundation/LUNGevity Clinical Research Award, recognizing exceptional contributions to the understanding and treatment of RET-positive lung cancer. The award highlights the crucial efforts from researchers dedicated to making strides in this specialized area of lung cancer research.

Understanding RET-Positive Lung Cancer

RET-positive lung cancer affects a small percentage of patients, representing only 1% to 2% of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cases. Despite being rare, the discoveries surrounding RET rearrangements have spurred the development of targeted therapies known as RET tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs), which are now approved for treating this cancer. However, resistance to these treatments often emerges, prompting the need for innovative solutions to combat this challenge.

Meet the Award Recipients

Amy Cummings, MD, PhD

Dr. Amy Cummings from the University of California, Los Angeles, has embarked on a compelling research project titled "Immunogenic Peptide Priming of Dendritic Cells for RET+ NSCLC." Her groundbreaking approach involves creating personalized vaccines aimed at training the immune system to recognize and target RET mutations present in lung cancer cells. By utilizing bio-engineered dendritic cells to enhance the immune response, her team is optimistic about improving patient outcomes with existing FDA-approved immunotherapy.

Romel Somwar, PhD

At the Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, Dr. Romel Somwar is tackling drug resistance in RET-positive cancers. His project, "Developing New Therapeutic Approaches for RET-positive Cancers," aims to address the challenges posed by tumors that develop resistance through the activation of the RAS-MAPK protein pathway. By combining existing therapies targeting RET TKIs with the RAS-MAPK pathway, Dr. Somwar and his team hope to enhance treatment efficacy and prolong the time patients can respond positively to approved therapies.

Insights from the Research Community

Omaima Salous, co-founder of the Hamoui Foundation, emphasizes the urgency of innovation in treating RET-positive lung cancer. Patients living with this cancer need strategies that not only optimize current treatments but also work towards overcoming potential resistance. Her call to action is clear: we must maintain focus on developing next-generation therapies and keep pushing the boundaries of cancer research.

About the Hamoui Foundation

The Hamoui Foundation has been a significant supporter of cancer research since its inception in 2010. With a commitment of over $20 million, the foundation focuses on key initiatives that lead to transformative breakthroughs in health and education. Their targeted funding strategy is designed to create sustainable benefits for the organizations they partner with, ensuring the longevity of their efforts.

About LUNGevity Foundation

LUNGevity Foundation is devoted to reshaping the experience of lung cancer diagnosis and treatment. Their mission centers on improving the quality of life and survivorship rates for all individuals diagnosed with lung cancer. Through extensive research, advocacy for accessible healthcare, and community support, LUNGevity aims to revolutionize the landscape of lung cancer care.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Hamoui Foundation/LUNGevity Clinical Research Award?

This award recognizes researchers making significant contributions to the advancement of treatments for RET-positive lung cancer.

Who are the recipients of the 2024 award?

The recipients are Dr. Amy Cummings and Dr. Romel Somwar, both specializing in innovative research aimed at improving therapies for RET-positive lung cancer.

What is RET-positive lung cancer?

RET-positive lung cancer is a rare type of non-small cell lung cancer characterized by mutations involving the RET gene, which can lead to tumor growth.

How do RET tyrosine kinase inhibitors work?

RET TKIs are targeted therapies designed to interrupt the signaling pathways affected by RET mutations, thus inhibiting cancer cell growth.

What ongoing challenges does RET-positive lung cancer present?

One of the major challenges is drug resistance, where tumors find ways to grow despite treatment, necessitating further research and novel therapies.

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