#USA #New York #Lung Cancer #EGFR Mutations #Team Science Award

New Funding Initiative Launched for EGFR Mutant Lung Cancers

The Lung Cancer Research Foundation (LCRF) has recently introduced an exciting new funding opportunity: the 2025 LCRF Team Science Award. This initiative is aimed specifically at advancing research and therapies targeted at curing EGFR mutant lung cancers. The foundation is actively seeking proposals that can bring together interdisciplinary scientific teams for groundbreaking advancements in treatment.

The Urgency of Research in Lung Cancer

Lung cancer remains the leading cause of cancer-related deaths globally, with approximately 124,730 deaths in the United States each year. Recent decades have seen significant progress thanks to enhanced molecular profiling of tumors, leading to the development of numerous targeted therapies for non-small cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC). Among these, Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor (EGFR) mutations have emerged as one of the primary oncogenic drivers successfully addressed by targeted therapies such as tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs). Yet, despite these advancements, the existing treatments remain non-curative, with resistance frequently developing over time.

Award Specifications

The newly launched Team Science Award offers a total of $1.5 million over the next three years to support groundbreaking research directed at addressing resistant or persistent forms of EGFR mutant lung cancer. The award particularly emphasizes collaboration, requiring proposals to encompass at least two projects aimed at understanding the complexities of EGFR mutations and their treatment.

Collaboration for Breakthroughs

The focus on collaboration in this award highlights the importance of diverse scientific perspectives in tackling the multifaceted challenges posed by lung cancer. Benay Taub, a lung cancer survivor and donor, stated, "There has been so much scientific discovery in EGFR mutated lung cancer... However, even with the best of circumstances, resistance develops, and we need patients to have more treatment options."

Notably, the award's primary support comes from a generous private donation from Benay and Steven Taub, emphasizing their belief in collaborative scientific efforts to drive innovation and ultimately discover a cure.

A Call to Action

Submissions for the Request for Proposals are open, with Letters of Intent due by July 29, 2025. The selected projects will undergo a rigorous review process led by LCRF's Scientific Advisory Board. For more details regarding the application process, eligibility, and requirements, interested researchers can visit LCRF.org/FundingOpportunities.

Conclusion

As the LCRF continues its commitment to finding a cure for lung cancer, the 2025 Team Science Award stands as a beacon of hope in the fight against EGFR mutant lung cancers. Dr. Antoinette Wozniak, Chief Scientific Officer at LCRF, emphasizes the ongoing need for research: "Our commitment to people affected by lung cancer is simple: continue to fund research that pushes the boundaries of what is known to what is possible – toward a cure."

The urgency for innovative solutions in lung cancer treatment has never been greater, and through collaborative efforts, researchers might soon pave the way for significant breakthroughs in patient outcomes.