PLYMOUTH MEETING, PA — The National Comprehensive Cancer Network® (NCCN®) Oncology Research Program (ORP) has awarded two new research grants to support studies on zipalertinib, a promising therapy for Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC). These projects focus on patients with EGFR mutations, including Exon 20 insertions and other uncommon or compound mutations, which represent some of the most challenging forms of NSCLC to treat.
The grants were made possible through funding from Taiho Oncology, Inc. According to NCCN, lung cancer remains the leading cause of cancer-related death in the U.S., with an estimated 125,000 new cases of NSCLC expected in 2024. Globally, the disease affects nearly 2.5 million people each year.
“Advancing cancer care and improving cancer-related survival depends on novel discoveries,” said Crystal S. Denlinger, MD, Chief Executive Officer, NCCN. “We’re honored to support these researchers as they investigate promising new approaches for treating Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer. These grants provide the opportunity to pursue innovative strategies that may lead to better outcomes for patients.”
The selected projects are:
- UCLA Health Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center, led by Arjan Gower, MD: Phase 2 Trial of Zipalertinib in Patients with Resectable Non-small cell lung cancer with EGFR Exon 20 Insertion or Uncommon/Compound Mutations.
- Stanford Cancer Institute, led by Joel Neal, MD: Adjuvant ctDNA-Adapted Personalized Treatment with Zipalertinib in Early-Stage Atypical EGFR-Mutant NSCLC (ADAPT-A).
“This research has the potential to deepen our understanding of zipalertinib as a treatment for lung cancer with EGFR Exon 20 alterations,” said Harold Keer, MD, PhD, Chief Medical Officer, Taiho Oncology. “We are proud to collaborate with NCCN to support innovative lung cancer research by leading investigators, exemplifying our mission to improve the lives of patients with cancer, their families and their caregivers.”
Proposals were rigorously reviewed by a Scientific Review Committee composed of leading oncologists from NCCN Member Institutions. The research projects are expected to be completed within two years, adding critical insights into how zipalertinib may be used to improve patient outcomes in complex NSCLC cases.
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