Katerina Politi, PhD

Mutations in the Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor (EGFR) are found in 10-20% of lung adenocarcinomas (a subtype of lung cancer). These mutations are most common in tumors in never-smokers and are associated with sensitivity to drugs that specifically block the activity of the mutant receptor. Patients with EGFR mutant tumors initially respond to treatment with these drugs, however drug-resistant disease almost invariably emerges within a year of starting treatment. In our laboratory we use genetically engineered mouse models of EGFR mutant lung cancer to study: 1) how the mutant receptors alter signaling pathways in lung cells to cause cancer and, 2) mechanisms of resistance to therapies directed against mutant EGFR.

Specialized Terms: Cancer biology; Mouse models of lung cancer; Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor; ERBB Receptor family; Targeted therapy