Study Opportunities | Judith Tam ALK Lung Cancer Research Initiative

At the Judith Tam ALK Lung Cancer Research Initiative, we are dedicated to accelerating discoveries that improve prevention, diagnosis, and treatment for lung cancer. Our collaborative community of clinicians, scientists, supporters, and participants propels innovation and drives real progress against lung cancer.

FOR A PATIENT DIAGNOSED WITH NON-SMALL CELL LUNG CANCER that is genetically driven by an ALK (anaplastic lymphoma kinase) rearrangement, a major concern at diagnosis is whether the standard tyrosine kinase inhibitor drug they are taking will continue to be effective for a long time and what drug or drugs will be able to be taken, if progression occurs, to achieve disease control. Understanding and overcoming these concerns is the main focus of the work proposed here by the multidisciplinary lung cancer team at the University of Michigan Health Rogel Cancer Center.

Current Treatments

At this time, treatment interventions for patients with ALK+ lung cancer include surgical resection, radiotherapy, and oral medications known as tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs). TKIs are a targeted drug therapy that disrupts protein synthesis and distribution in cancer cells. Studies have demonstrated that TKIs may slow and/or inhibit cancer progression. Examples of ALK TKIs include alectinib, brigatinib, crizotinib, ceritinib, and lorlatinib.

Over time, it is possible for ALK+ lung cancers to develop resistance to TKIs, which is remediated by switching to a new TKI medication. Resistance may develop after 1-2 years while on the same TKI medication.

Dr. Sofia Merajver has assembled a group of industry leaders from across the globe representing the fields of oncology, thoracic surgery, pathology, pharmacy, biochemistry, cellular biology, bioinformatics, and clinical science. Our team uses a multidisciplinary approach to better understand and develop treatments for ALK+ lung cancer. We aim to collaborate with an actively engaged patient community to help shape the future of cancer care. Additionally, we are in the process of obtaining CLIA certification, which will allow us to generate formal reports from sample processing to support clinical decision-making.

We are currently enrolling participants in: 

Judith Tam ALK Lung Cancer Research Initiative Study (JTARI)

• JTARI focuses on advancing precision medicine for individuals with ALK+ lung cancer by aiming to delay, prevent, or eliminate drug resistance and progression. By participating in JTARI, you’ll play a vital role in helping shape the next generation of lung cancer therapies and investigational devices. 

Coming Soon in 2026: ALK Total Longitudinal Assessment Study (ATLAS)

• ATLAS aims to improve early detection strategies and explore long-term outcomes for survivors. Your involvement in ATLAS helps our researchers collect the data needed to develop advancements that benefit those affected by ALK+ lung cancer everywhere.

We encourage you to learn more about the study by clicking on the title above and consider joining our efforts. With every participant, we move closer to new insights and a future with better outcomes for all those affected by lung cancer.