New Therapeutics Targeting MYC and Immune Escape in Lung Cancer
Abstract
MYC oncoprotein is overexpressed in many lung cancers. Activation of MYC is considered a hallmark of cancer initiation and maintenance. In addition to promoting cancer progression, MYC activation also causes resistance to cancer therapies such as cisplatin and immune checkpoint inhibitors. Unfortunately, MYC remains one of the most intractable oncoproteins to target. The objective of this proposal is to investigate the effects of new drugs that we have developed on inhibiting MYC activity and reversing resistance to cisplatin and immune checkpoint inhibitors. The Areas of Emphasis are: (1) understand mechanisms of resistance to treatment (primary and secondary) and (2) identify innovative strategies for the treatment of lung cancer. We have developed a new strategy by deploying a natural MYC inhibitor to inhibit MYC in cancer. More importantly, we have identified compounds that can inhibit MYC function. In this proposal, we will determine the mechanism by which our compounds block MYC activity in lung cancer. We will also investigate whether and how our compounds can overcome the resistance to platinum therapy, a very common problem encountered by many lung cancer patients. The compounds will be combined with immune checkpoint inhibitors in a syngeneic murine model of lung cancer. Given the importance of MYC in lung cancer and many other types of cancer, we anticipate that the proposed project will be very impactful. Since the active compounds have been identified, we anticipate the time length required to move forward to clinical applications will be relatively short. The new therapeutics that overcome resistance to platinum and immune checkpoint inhibitors will be very beneficial for military Service Members, Veterans, and their families who have lung cancer overexpressing MYC or with MYC activation.
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- Dec 28, 2022
- Source ID
- W81XWH2210534
Entities
People
- Weei-Chin Lin
Organizations
- Baylor College of Medicine
- United States Army