2008 Lung Cancer Research Foundation Annual Grant Program
Rachel Linger, MD, PhD
University of Colorado Denver
Research Project:
Novel Biologically Targeted Therapy for the Treatment of Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC)
Summary:
Role of Axl receptor tyrosine kinase in lung cancer apoptosis. This study tests the hypothesis that high levels of a protein called Axl tyrosine kinase found in many lung cancer cells provides a survival advantage to these cells. If proven correct, this finding could lead to opportunities to interfere with this effect and kill lung cancer cells more effectively. Dr. Linger is the recipient of the 2008 Scientific Merit Award.