TKI resistance: improving lung cancer control

This project focuses on creating cell models that enable researchers to:

• study the molecular changes underlying TKI resistance and compare them with molecular changes that occur in patients;
• map the sensitivity of TKIs available to patients and link this to patient-specific molecular changes following the determination of TKI resistance.

Knowledge regarding this is currently insufficient for the effective functioning of treatment.

By studying cell lines with TKI resistance, this project hopes to gain more insight into the formation of TKI resistance in lung cancer tumors. In this way, knowledge is gathered for the development of an effective treatment against ROS1-type lung cancer.

At the end of this project, several TKI-resistant cell models have been developed. These allow us to study the molecular changes underlying TKI resistance and compare them with the molecular changes that occur in patients. We can also use these cell models to map sensitivity to available TKIs and link it to patient-specific molecular changes following the determination of TKI resistance.

TKI therapy is a successful treatment for ROS1+ lung cancer and has few side effects compared to conventional chemotherapy. The only drawback of this treatment is that tumor tissue eventually becomes resistant to TKIs. By mapping the molecular processes behind this resistance, a solution can be found for this problem. In this way, tumor growth and disease progression in patients can be inhibited.

This research is part of a long-standing collaboration between knowledge institutions and the healthcare sector. Since 2018, Hanze has been collaborating with Stichting Merels Wereld and UMCG on research into drug resistance in ROS1+ lung cancer. Through this long-term and close collaboration, a strong network of researchers, experts, and subject matter specialists has been formed. With a strong network, close collaboration, and a practice-oriented approach, the results of this project offer realistic insights into solutions for the TKI resistance problem.