YAP1 defines an emergent, plastic population of relapsed small cell lung cancer
Researchers identify a treatment-resistant cell type in relapsed lung cancer with specific protein targets, opening new therapeutic possibilities.
Using ctDNA, circulating tumor cells, and biopsies from relapsed SCLC patients, the authors identify an emergent YAP1-positive population with LCNEC-like features and distinct surface antigen expression (enriched B7-H3, TROP2) that could be exploited therapeutically. This work reveals a key mechanism of treatment resistance in SCLC and proposes actionable targets for ADC or immunotherapy combinations.
What the study was
- Study design
- Translational study (ctDNA/CTC + biopsy + preclinical models)
- Population
- Relapsed SCLC patients post-standard-of-care therapy; preclinical SCLC models
- Category
- Treatment Innovation
- Maturity
- Exploratory
- Journal
- Journal of Thoracic Oncology
Why it surfaced
JTO (high-impact); MD Anderson group; multi-modal ctDNA/CTC/biopsy analysis identifies novel therapeutic targets (B7-H3, TROP2) in chemo-resistant SCLC; directly actionable for ADC trial design.
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