A novel approach to the treatment of EGFR mutant non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC)

Background

Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is the most common type of lung cancer, accounting for ~85% of all lung cancer cases.

NSCLC is slow growing and often diagnosed at later stages when it has already spread, making treatment difficult.
Resistance to therapy is a major challenge in effectively treating patients with NSCLC.
10-30% of patients with NSCLC harbor mutations of the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) gene, which contributes to the drug resistance of first-in line therapies.

Technology

Novel approach to treat EGFR-mutant NSCLC and the ensuing therapeutic resistance that develops in patients.

A mechanism that underlies the contribution of EGFR mutations to the pathogenesis of NSCLC and drug resistance.
A biomarker of EGFR mutant NSCLC progression as well as treatment for EGFR-mutant NSCLC and its resistance.

Market Opportunity

Lung cancer is a leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide, with an approximated 2.5 million new cases each year.

The 5-year survival rate of NSCLC when the cancer has spread regionally is ~26%.
Tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) are the standard first-line treatment for NSCLC patients harboring a mutation on the EGFR gene but is marked by resistance to these drugs within 10-12 months.

Innovation and Meaningful Advantages

Demonstrates the significant role of chitinase 3-like-1 (CHI3L1) and promising use as a therapeutic target for EGFR-mutant NSCLC alone as well as in combination with TKIs

Biomarker development of EGFR-mutant lung cancer progression is developed,
Potential to improve detection, diagnoses and develop personalized treatment plans.

References

PCT Application PCT/US2023/081359
Kamle, Suchitra, Bing Ma, Gail Schor, Madison Bailey, Brianna Pham, Inyoung Cho, Hina Khan et al. "Chitinase 3-like-1 (CHI3L1) in the pathogenesis of epidermal growth factor receptor mutant non-small cell lung cancer." Translational Oncology 49 (2024): 102108. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tranon.2024.102108

Principal Investigator

Jack A. Elias, MD

Professor of Translational Science,

Professor of Molecular Biology, Cell Biology and Biochemistry,

Professor of Medicine

Brown University

Jack_Elias@brown.edu

https://vivo.brown.edu/display/jaelias

Contact

Neil Veloso

Executive Director

Brown Technology Innovations