# Developing new therapeutic strategies for distinct Ras-driven cancers

> **NIH NIH R01** · BRIGHAM AND WOMEN'S HOSPITAL · 2022 · $475,403

## Abstract

The Ras pathway is one of the most commonly deregulated pathways in human cancer,
yet there are still no effective therapies for Ras-driven tumors. In this application we will
be studying two genetically distinct Ras-driven malignancies: NF1-mutant nervous system
tumors (MPNSTs) and KRAS-mutant pancreatic cancers. Specifically, we aim to elucidate
an important mechanism by which these Ras-driven cancers are protected from MEK
inhibitors and will use this insight as a basis for developing and testing rational
combination therapies. Collectively, these studies will reveal novel insight into innate
mechanisms that protect these tumor types from Ras pathway inhibitors and will also lead
to the development of several new therapeutic strategies that can be translated into clinical
trials.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10381683
- **Project number:** 5R01CA111754-17
- **Recipient organization:** BRIGHAM AND WOMEN'S HOSPITAL
- **Principal Investigator:** KAREN M CICHOWSKI
- **Activity code:** R01 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2022
- **Award amount:** $475,403
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 2005-07-01 → 2026-03-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10381683

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10381683, Developing new therapeutic strategies for distinct Ras-driven cancers (5R01CA111754-17). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-25 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10381683. Licensed CC0.

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