ALK Positive Inc. (ALK Positive) and the Lung Cancer Research Foundation (LCRF) have just announced their collaboration for ALK-positive non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) projects. They will pledge 750,000 dollars for advancing research for this condition. The goal is to improve care for patients and ultimately improve outcomes.
As things stand, there is no cure for this cancer when it is in the advanced stages. Collaboration is the way forward to investigate potential cures. This new funding collaboration will provide 250,000 dollars in a two year period for different projects.
ALK-Positive NSCLC
ALK rearrangements are present in about 5% of all those diagnosed with lung cancer. However, for those under 40 diagnosed with lung cancer, this rate is 30%. For these patients, there is no correlation with the condition and a history of smoking or any other health/environmental factors. Some people are diagnosed when they are still teenagers or in their early 20s.
Research for this condition has advanced a great deal in the last few years, and now there are various FDA approved therapies for different subsets of NSCLC. For ALK-positive NSCLC specifically, treatments include lorlatinib, brigatinib, alectinib, ceritinib, and crizotinib. The newer therapies have superior efficacy demonstrating the importance of continued research.
Unfortunately, it is common to develop resistance to ALK inhibitors.
LCRF
LCRF is a nonprofit organization which focuses specifically on improving the lives of those living with lung cancer.
They work on funding research for treatments, diagnosis, prevention, and ultimately, cures.
They have, so far, funded more than 390 research grants which total almost 40 million dollars. This is more than any other nonprofit focused on lung cancer has ever raised.
ALK Positive
ALK Positive is a nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the life expectancy and the quality of life for ALK-positive patients facing a cancer diagnosis.
The organization works to raise funds for research which will uncover potential treatments and potentially even cures. So far, ALK Positive has raised more than 6 million dollars. Partnering with LCRF will only increase their capacity.
You can read more about this new partnership here.
Last modified: April 11, 2023
