Research Award Focused on Accelerating Treatment Options for People with ALK-Positive Lung Cancer

/PRNewswire/ -- The Lung Cancer Research Foundation announced today that a new two-year $300,000 research award focused on accelerating treatment options for people with anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) fusion-driven non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is now open for investigator submission.

In 2007 researchers identified a genetic fusion known as EML4-ALK that drives a subset of NSCLC cases. This discovery led to targeted ALK inhibitors with the first drug receiving FDA approval in 2011. The newest option lorlatinib is a third-generation inhibitor built to address resistance seen with prior treatments. In the pivotal CROWN trial lorlatinib showed longer progression-free survival and improved control of brain metastases compared with crizotinib. Seven-year follow-up data presented at the most recent ASCO meeting revealed that more than half of participants maintained stable disease representing the strongest outcome reported for any single targeted therapy in advanced NSCLC.

Although these results are encouraging resistance eventually emerges in every patient leaving chemotherapy and clinical trials as primary remaining choices since immunotherapy has shown limited effectiveness in ALK-positive NSCLC. LCRF therefore supports research aimed at overcoming resistance when it arises. A deeper understanding of tumor growth treatment response and resistance mechanisms remains essential.

The 2026 LCRF Award on Advancing Breakthroughs in ALK-Positive Lung Cancer will support studies exploring ALK rearrangements as drivers of cancer and the creation of new therapeutic strategies that may extend survival for patients with ALK-positive disease. Preference will be given to projects with near-term clinical potential ideally leading to a clinical trial. Proposals must incorporate correlative translational research that advances knowledge of ALK-driven lung cancers.

Bruce Dunbar a member of LCRF's Board of Directors and ALK-positive lung cancer survivor stated that grants of this type are vital for developing additional options and fresh approaches to treat ALK-positive NSCLC once it no longer responds to current therapies. Greater research investment will help more patients live longer better lives and move closer to a cure.

Kathryn A. O'Donnell PhD Associate Professor in the Department of Molecular Biology at UT Southwestern Medical Center Co-leader of the Development and Cancer Program at Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center and Chair of the LCRF Scientific Advisory Board noted that science has already extended survival for many people with ALK-positive lung cancer yet further progress is needed. Because resistance will occur eventually the community must prepare now through targeted funding to enable the next breakthrough.

The 2026 LCRF Award on Advancing Breakthroughs in ALK-Positive Lung Cancer was made possible through contributions from the lung cancer community led by Colleen Conner Ziegler chair of LCRF's board of directors and ALK-positive lung cancer survivor the Murgatroyd family who lost their daughter at age 24 to ALK-positive lung cancer Mary Ann Tighe and Dr. David Hidalgo in honor of Dr. Randi Warren an ALK-positive lung cancer survivor David Cornbrooks co-founder of the Sweat for Breath Foundation and an ALK-positive lung cancer survivor an independent grant from Pfizer and numerous other donors.

Submissions will follow a two-step review process. Letters of Intent are due by midnight on July 15 2026. Selected investigators will then submit full proposals for rigorous evaluation by LCRF's Scientific Advisory Board.

Additional details on the Request for Proposal including eligibility requirements and deadlines are available at the LCRF website.

About the Lung Cancer Research Foundation (LCRF)

The Lung Cancer Research Foundation is the leading nonprofit organization dedicated to funding innovative high-reward research that can extend survival and enhance quality of life for individuals with lung cancer. Its mission centers on improving outcomes through support for prevention diagnosis treatment and cure research. LCRF has awarded 450 grants totaling nearly $53 million the largest amount provided by any nonprofit focused solely on lung cancer research. For more information visit the foundation website.

Contact: Sheila Sullivan Sr. Director Marketing and Communications SOURCE Lung Cancer Research Foundation