Research
Dr. Stabile’s research is focused on how estrogen interacts with the immune system to play a role in the development of lung cancer and in metastases. Her recent studies show that estrogen activity on non-tumor cells within the lung tumor microenvironment plays an important role in tumor progression by promoting a protumor immunosuppressive phenotype that allows the tumor to evade the immune system.
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Your funds have helped underwrite four separate research efforts
Biology of lung cancer in never smokers. This project investigates the biological, hormonal, environmental, and genetic factors driving lung cancer in individuals who have never smoked, a population that continues to grow, particularly among women. By understanding how hormonal pathways, environmental exposures, and oncogenic mutations interact, this project aims to define key disease mechanisms and identify new therapeutic targets for women and never smokers with lung cancer.
Oncogene-driven lung cancer progression and brain metastasis. This project examines how genomic alterations such as EGFR, ALK, and MET influence tumor progression, therapeutic response, and drug resistance. A major focus is determining how these oncogenes contribute to brain metastasis, one of the most frequent and challenging complications of lung cancer, with the goal of improving treatment options. This study was published in The Journal of Clinical Investigation. Review the study
Development of non-invasive approaches to predict brain metastases and identify targetable alterations in brain lesions. We are developing non-invasive CT-, MRI-, and liquid biopsy-based tools to identify lung cancer patients at high risk for developing brain metastases and to detect the genetic drivers of brain lesions, which often differ from the primary tumor. These approaches will support more personalized MRI surveillance for earlier brain metastasis detection and guide targeted therapy decisions for patients facing brain metastasis. This study was published in Neuro-Oncology Advances Review the study
Establishment of biobank for never smokers and young-onset lung cancer. We are creating a dedicated biospecimen repository linked with detailed information on hormonal, environmental and lifestyle factors to advance research on lung cancer in never smokers and individuals diagnosed with lung cancer at a young age. This resource will accelerate scientific discoveries that could lead to earlier detection, more effective treatments and improved outcomes for these uniquely affected patient populations.
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Continued progress in understanding lung cancer in never smokers, especially women, a group that now represents a growing share of new diagnoses. The work focuses on identifying environmental chemical exposures linked to cancer risk, clarifying how hormones and immune responses differ between men and women, and improving detection and treatment of brain metastases. The research also highlights practical advances, including better methods to identify hard-to-detect genetic changes, tools to predict which patients are at highest risk for brain spread, and new approaches to guide targeted therapies. Together, this research aims to fill important gaps in knowledge and support more effective, personalized care for lung cancer patients.
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In 2024, significant progress was made in understanding lung cancer risk, biology, and treatment outcomes, particularly among women and never smokers, focusing on the distinct disease characteristics and risk factors of lung cancer in this group. This research leverages cutting-edge technologies to explore biological networks, environmental exposures, and sex differences, aiming to improve care through personalized treatment strategies, including advancements in brain metastasis prediction and MET pathway targeting.
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This update includes findings that were published in the journal Scientific Reports. Furthermore, learn more about a research trial that is now accepting patients and a brain metastasis prediction model that is in development.
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An update on Dr. Stabile’s research including new grants and a drug trial that is focused on MET amplification. Biomarker testing for Elizabeth in November 2022 showed MET is the new driver of her ALK+ cancer progression.
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A conversation with Dr. Stabile, Elizabeth and Sven de Jong about Dr. Stabile’s ongoing research and how your donations impact her work.
