LUNGevity Foundation Honors Three Innovative Researchers with Career Development Awards
On November 24, 2025, the LUNGevity Foundation made a significant announcement in the fight against lung cancer by unveiling the recipients of their 2025 Career Development Awards. This initiative, established in 2012, serves as a pivotal support system for early-career researchers dedicated to transforming lung cancer treatment and enhancing patient outcomes. The awards not only offer essential funding but also provide unparalleled mentorship and training in scientific communication, fostering a new generation of oncologists.
Drs. Elliott Brea, Esther Redin, and Gavitt Woodard were recognized for their groundbreaking research projects. Dr. Brea, affiliated with the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, received the EGFR Resisters/LUNGevity Career Development Award for his work titled "Local CAR T as a Novel Therapeutic Strategy for CNS Progression in NSCLC." With over 50% of patients suffering from EGFR-positive non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) eventually facing central nervous system (CNS) metastases, Dr. Brea and his team have engineered a CAR-T cell therapy specifically targeting TROP-2, which is frequently present on both cancerous and some healthy cells. His approach aims to significantly mitigate damage to healthy tissue while effectively addressing CNS tumors.
"For many people living with EGFR-positive lung cancer, brain metastasis presents a daunting challenge," said Jill Feldman, co-founder of the patient advocacy group EGFR Resisters. "Dr. Brea's innovative research brings hope for more successful CNS treatments, and we are proud to support this crucial work."
In parallel, Dr. Esther Redin from Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center was awarded the Lung Cancer Initiative-LUNGevity Career Development Award for her project titled "Identification of Epigenetic Drivers of Drug Tolerance in EGFR mutant LUAD." This research aspires to investigate the survival mechanisms of drug-tolerant persister cells in lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) patients, who often experience tragic recurrences despite initially effective targeted therapies. Dr. Redin aims to dissect the underlying factors that enable these cells to thrive even in the presence of medication, laying the groundwork for novel eradication strategies and enhancing outcomes for patients battling EGFR-positive lung cancer.
Paige Humble, CEO of the Lung Cancer Initiative, emphasized the importance of Dr. Redin's work, highlighting the persistent anxiety faced by patients who fear their tumors may develop resistance. "This detailed study of drug tolerance mechanisms could be pivotal in getting us closer to sustainable cures," she stated.
Lastly, Dr. Gavitt Woodard from Yale University was awarded $300,000 to explore the impact of STK11 mutations on immune cell infiltration in lung cancer. Given that lung cancer remains the leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide, and many tumors are unresponsive to immunotherapy, Dr. Woodard's investigation is crucial. His project looks at how specific genetic mutations inhibit T cell ingress into tumors, and aims to improve immune responses to therapeutic interventions, potentially leading to greater efficacy of immunotherapy in lung cancer patients.
Reflecting on the collective effort represented by these Career Development Awards, Upal Basu Roy, PhD, MPH, Executive Director of LUNGevity Research, stated: "Today's research is crucial for tomorrow's breakthroughs in lung cancer treatment. Supporting a robust pipeline of dedicated researchers is imperative for advancing lives and prolonging survival rates for those affected by this disease."
In addition to funding, the awardees will benefit from LUNGevity's extensive network, which includes high-profile scientists and access to educational resources, enabling them to further their innovative research projects. LUNGevity Foundation continues to affirm its commitment to reshaping the landscape of lung cancer research and improving the quality of life for patients by fostering collaboration, investment, and research breakthroughs. More information about these initiatives can be found on their official website, highlighting a movement driven by hope, innovation, and a profound commitment to defeating lung cancer.
Drs. Elliott Brea, Esther Redin, and Gavitt Woodard were recognized for their groundbreaking research projects. Dr. Brea, affiliated with the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, received the EGFR Resisters/LUNGevity Career Development Award for his work titled "Local CAR T as a Novel Therapeutic Strategy for CNS Progression in NSCLC." With over 50% of patients suffering from EGFR-positive non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) eventually facing central nervous system (CNS) metastases, Dr. Brea and his team have engineered a CAR-T cell therapy specifically targeting TROP-2, which is frequently present on both cancerous and some healthy cells. His approach aims to significantly mitigate damage to healthy tissue while effectively addressing CNS tumors.
"For many people living with EGFR-positive lung cancer, brain metastasis presents a daunting challenge," said Jill Feldman, co-founder of the patient advocacy group EGFR Resisters. "Dr. Brea's innovative research brings hope for more successful CNS treatments, and we are proud to support this crucial work."
In parallel, Dr. Esther Redin from Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center was awarded the Lung Cancer Initiative-LUNGevity Career Development Award for her project titled "Identification of Epigenetic Drivers of Drug Tolerance in EGFR mutant LUAD." This research aspires to investigate the survival mechanisms of drug-tolerant persister cells in lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) patients, who often experience tragic recurrences despite initially effective targeted therapies. Dr. Redin aims to dissect the underlying factors that enable these cells to thrive even in the presence of medication, laying the groundwork for novel eradication strategies and enhancing outcomes for patients battling EGFR-positive lung cancer.
Paige Humble, CEO of the Lung Cancer Initiative, emphasized the importance of Dr. Redin's work, highlighting the persistent anxiety faced by patients who fear their tumors may develop resistance. "This detailed study of drug tolerance mechanisms could be pivotal in getting us closer to sustainable cures," she stated.
Lastly, Dr. Gavitt Woodard from Yale University was awarded $300,000 to explore the impact of STK11 mutations on immune cell infiltration in lung cancer. Given that lung cancer remains the leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide, and many tumors are unresponsive to immunotherapy, Dr. Woodard's investigation is crucial. His project looks at how specific genetic mutations inhibit T cell ingress into tumors, and aims to improve immune responses to therapeutic interventions, potentially leading to greater efficacy of immunotherapy in lung cancer patients.
Reflecting on the collective effort represented by these Career Development Awards, Upal Basu Roy, PhD, MPH, Executive Director of LUNGevity Research, stated: "Today's research is crucial for tomorrow's breakthroughs in lung cancer treatment. Supporting a robust pipeline of dedicated researchers is imperative for advancing lives and prolonging survival rates for those affected by this disease."
In addition to funding, the awardees will benefit from LUNGevity's extensive network, which includes high-profile scientists and access to educational resources, enabling them to further their innovative research projects. LUNGevity Foundation continues to affirm its commitment to reshaping the landscape of lung cancer research and improving the quality of life for patients by fostering collaboration, investment, and research breakthroughs. More information about these initiatives can be found on their official website, highlighting a movement driven by hope, innovation, and a profound commitment to defeating lung cancer.
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