Lung Cancer Research Foundation and Bayer Announce New Research Award Recipients
The Lung Cancer Research Foundation (LCRF) has unveiled the recipients of its prestigious research grant, the LCRF|Bayer Research Award, which aims to advance the understanding and treatment of lung cancers that exhibit abnormalities in the HER2 gene. This initiative seeks to enhance strategies and therapeutic trajectories focusing on HER2 mutations, which are critical drivers in certain forms of lung cancer. The grants, each valued at $500,000 over two years, will support groundbreaking projects intended to improve patient outcomes for those living with HER2-mutant non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).
Among the recipients of this year’s awards are Sarah Goldberg, MD, MPH, from Yale School of Medicine, and Xiuning Le, MD, PhD, from the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center. Dr. Goldberg's project, 'Stratifying and Personalizing for HER2 Mutated Lung Cancers', will focus on developing personalized treatment approaches that consider the specificities of HER2 mutations in lung cancer. Meanwhile, Dr. Le's research, 'Characterization of HER2 Mutations' Sensitivity to Sevabertinib', aims to explore novel combination treatment strategies to surmount existing challenges in HER2-targeted therapies.
The significance of advancing research on HER2 mutations cannot be overstated due to their role as oncogenic drivers of lung cancer. The call for submissions emphasized the necessity for correlative and translational research that would not only provide a deeper understanding but also engage patients or advocates in the research process, ensuring that projects remain patient-centered.
Underscoring the urgency of such efforts, Dr. Kathryn O'Donnell, chair of the LCRF Scientific Advisory Board, remarked on the pressing need to unravel the complexities surrounding HER2 alterations. 'There is an urgent need to understand the role of HER2 alterations as oncogenic drivers as well as tumor response and resistance mechanisms,' she stated. The LCRF believes that through rigorous research, significant knowledge gains can lead to better therapeutic strategies, ultimately improving survival rates and quality of life for lung cancer patients.
The partnership between the Lung Cancer Research Foundation and Bayer Pharmaceuticals is pivotal in this endeavor, as both organizations share a mutual commitment to pushing the boundaries of cancer research. According to Lucia Regales, PhD, Global Medical Evidence Strategy Lead Oncology at Bayer, 'We extend our congratulations to the recipients of these awards. We share the investigators' commitment to patients living with lung cancer, and the desire to bring impactful research results to not only improve treatments but quality of life.'
Through their dedication to funding innovative, high-reward research, LCRF has made significant strides within the oncology sector. To date, they have committed nearly $49 million towards funding various research grants aimed at extending survival and improving the quality of life for lung cancer patients. With 431 research grants awarded, LCRF stands at the forefront of lung cancer advocacy, representing the voice of hope for many afflicted by this challenging disease.
For those interested in further information regarding LCRF's funding initiatives and upcoming research, visit their website at www.lcrf.org. The continued support and interest from the medical community and advocates are crucial in driving these impactful research efforts, emphasizing the shared goal of tackling lung cancer head-on.