Modulation of PGE2-Dependent EGFR Inhibitor Resistance in NCSLC by E-cadherin

Funded equally by LUNGevity Foundation and the American Thoracic Society
Kostyantyn Krysan, PhD
David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA
Los Angeles

EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) are the mainstay for treatment for non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients whose tumors have mutations in the EGFR gene. Unfortunately, cancer cells eventually become resistant to TKIs. Dr. Krysan's laboratory has discovered that NSCLC cells produce a chemical called PGE2 that helps lung cancer cells grow in the presence of EGFR TKIs. This suggests that PGE2 helps cancer cells develop acquired resistance to TKIs. Dr. Krysan’s current research is to determine how PGE2 works.