Landon Inge, Ph.D.

Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is a deadly disease, accounting for the majority of cancer-related deaths in the United States. Recent evidence points towards inactivation of the protein, LKB1, as playing a critical role in the progression of a large portion of NSCLC tumors. Work in Dr. Inge's laboratory suggests that the compound 2-Ddeoxyglucose (2DG) may cause death to NSCLC tumors deficient for LKB1. Using a genetic mouse model of LKB1 deficient NSCLC, Dr. Inge and his team will attempt to validate 2DG as a therapeutic alternative and explain the molecular mechanisms behind the anti-tumor activity of 2DG in LKB1 deficient NSCLC. This is significant, as patients lacking LKB1 face a poor prognosis. The findings will provide a new avenue for treatment of NSCLC.