Study aims to build a comprehensive, open-source database of
heritable genetics and patient-reported data in lung cancer
NEW
YORK, July 25, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The Lung
Cancer Research Foundation (LCRF), in collaboration with 23andMe
Holding Co., a leading genetic health and biopharmaceutical
company, and 20 lung cancer advocacy organizations, today announced
a new study to help advance research in lung cancer. The focus of
the Lung Cancer Genetics Study is to better understand the genetics
of people with lung cancer in order to improve detection, risk
reduction, and care. While recent developments in tumor genetic
testing and targeted therapies have provided hope and years of
survival to many lung cancer patients, lung cancer remains the
number one cause of cancer deaths in both men and women in
the United States. Yet, much
remains unknown about the disease and its causes.
"It is powerful to see the entire lung cancer community unite
behind the Lung Cancer Genetics Study," says Aubrey Rhodes, LCRF executive director.
"Understanding genetic factors associated with lung cancer, and
enabling researchers worldwide to securely access the data, will go
a long way to improving early detection and treatment outcomes.
LCRF is proud to be a part of what will certainly be an important
initiative for lung cancer research."
The de-identified data from the study will be made available to
approved researchers, and access to the scientific database will be
available to nonprofit researchers and institutions at no cost.
Sobering lung cancer statistics only tell part of the
story
Despite advances in treatment options, lung cancer
remains a critical area of unmet need:
- In 2020, lung cancer took more lives in the United States than breast, colorectal, and
prostate cancers combined.
- One in 16 people in the United
States will be diagnosed with lung cancer in their
lifetime.
- It is estimated that in 2024, 234,000 new people will be
diagnosed with lung cancer in the United
States.
- While lung cancer accounts for 12% of all new cancer diagnoses,
it accounts for 20% of cancer deaths.
- Despite being the deadliest cancer, lung cancer research is
underfunded compared to other cancer types.
- Early detection of lung cancer through screening can
dramatically improve the long-term survival rate. Only 25% of all
people diagnosed with lung cancer will survive 5 years or more, but
for those whose cancer was diagnosed through annual screening by CT
scan, the 20-year survival rate is 81%.
- In people diagnosed at 55 years of age or younger, lung cancer
is more common in women than men. Among people with lung cancer who
have never smoked, approximately two-thirds are women, making women
who have not smoked more than twice as likely to develop lung
cancer as men who have not smoked.
Behind every devastating statistic are people from communities
across the U.S. impacted by lung cancer. Through this
collaboration, LCRF and other advocacy organizations, lung cancer
survivors and advocates, and 23andMe hope ultimately to help
advance research toward finding a cure for this disease.
"LUNGevity Foundation is excited to partner on this
community-driven project," said Upal Basu
Roy, Vice President of Research at LUNGevity Foundation. "As
a researcher and a patient advocate, I'm most excited about how the
data collected in this study could be leveraged to help patients in
the future. For example, it could help researchers identify new
drug targets and mechanisms for drug development or find ways to
address side effects proactively."
This study includes the following collaborators: ALK Positive,
Biomarker Collaborative, BRAF Bombers, EGFR Resisters, Exon 20
Group, Free ME from Lung Cancer, GO2 for Lung Cancer, The Happy
Lungs Project, International Cancer Advocacy Network, KRAS Kickers,
Lung Cancer Foundation of America, Lung Cancer Research Foundation,
LUNGevity Foundation, MET Crusaders, NTRKers, Oncogene Cancer
Research, PDL1 Amplifieds, RET Positive, RET Renegades, The
ROS1ders, and Troper Wojcicki Philanthropies.
"Studying the genetics of lung cancer can help us understand
risks, improve early detection, and develop better treatments. This
collaborative effort unites patients, advocates, doctors, and
researchers," said Jill Feldman,
patient advocate and co-founder of the EGFR Resisters. "By making
the data securely accessible to researchers worldwide, the Lung
Cancer Genetics Study increases our chances of breakthroughs that
can save lives."
Enhancing lung cancer research
The 23andMe research
platform will enable consented participants to come together to
provide critical data for scientists studying lung cancer. Research
data will include genetic information and self-reported information
about each participant's unique experiences (using responses from
online surveys), as well as additional data sources such as medical
records and tumor biomarker information. Through this study,
advocacy organizations, advocates, and 23andMe aim to enhance
research into lung cancer by bringing together a large group of
people to better understand how genetics may influence lung cancer,
expanding the geographic reach of the research study by enabling
participation from home, and removing some of the time and cost
barriers that can slow progress.
How this study can help further research
The goal of
the study is to recruit 10,000 people who have been diagnosed with
lung cancer, with no restrictions on the type of lung cancer, stage
of disease, gender, smoking status, biomarker, or other variables.
The lung cancer genetics study is recruiting individuals who are 18
years or older, live in the United
States, and have been diagnosed with lung cancer.
Participants in the study can receive the 23andMe kits at no
cost.
"Through the launch of the Lung Cancer Genetics Study, we hope
to fill an unmet need for a comprehensive database that bridges the
gap between genetic, clinical, and patient-reported data," said
Anne Wojcicki, Co-Founder and CEO of
23andMe. "Because lung cancer affects people from all communities,
it's important for this research to truly reflect the diversity of
those impacted by the disease. This collaborative effort unites
survivors, caregivers, researchers, and advocates who are all
dedicated to improving the treatment and care of lung cancer."
The Lung Cancer Genetics Study is made possible by support from
Troper Wojcicki Philanthropies (TWP). Troper Wojcicki
Philanthropies deploys philanthropy and mission-related investments
to organizations that are accelerating cancer research, tackling
climate change, and advancing human rights. Since 2006, TWP has
committed more than $100M to
researchers, academics, and entrepreneurs committed to making a
positive impact on the world. For the last 15 years, 30% of TWP's
funding has been dedicated to advancing cancer research.
For more information on the study, please see the Lung Cancer
Genetics Study landing page.
About the Lung Cancer Research Foundation (LCRF)
The
Lung Cancer Research Foundation® (LCRF) is the leading nonprofit
organization focused on funding innovative, high-reward research
with the potential to extend survival and improve quality of life
for people with lung cancer. LCRF's mission is to improve lung
cancer outcomes by funding research for the prevention, diagnosis,
treatment, and cure of lung cancer. To date, LCRF has funded 419
research grants, totaling nearly $44
million, the highest amount provided by a nonprofit
organization dedicated to funding lung cancer research. For more
information, visit LCRF.org.
About 23andMe
23andMe is a genetics-led consumer
healthcare and biopharmaceutical company empowering a healthier
future. For more information, please visit www.23andMe.com.
Contact
Sheila
Sullivan
Sr. Director, Marketing & Communications
ssullivan@lcrf.org
View original content to download
multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/lung-cancer-research-foundation-joins-lung-cancer-advocacy-organizations-and-23andme-to-launch-lung-cancer-genetics-study-to-advance-research-302206866.html
SOURCE Lung Cancer Research Foundation