Canadian cancer statistics in 2022 recognised lung cancer as a leading cause of death in Canada and reported 20,700 deaths in the country, with Quebec accounting for 6,200 deaths. My research focuses on a specific kind of mutation in the receptor tyrosine kinaseÌýMET, known as ‘MET exon 14 skipping’ which is recognised as an ‘oncogenic driver’ in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), the most frequently diagnosed lung cancer. Since targeting this mutation by drugs has resulted in mixed outcomes, my overarching goal is to address this challenge by investigating the biological causes behind the increased aggressiveness associated with this mutation and delineating the core signaling networks which offer survival advantage to these invasive cancers.
The novel targets that I will identify through this study will be instrumental in designing targeted therapy against MET-dependent NSCLC. Since lung cancer incidences usually show an even distribution across males and females with minor deviations, these prospective drug targets could be applied to the general population carrying this mutation to guide diagnostic and treatment decisions.
I was very excited and appreciative to learn that I was selected as the recipient of the prestigious 2022 Donner Foundation Studentship. Since there are limited funding opportunities for international students, this fellowship has not only lightened my financial burden, which allows me to focus full-time on my graduate studies, but also has strengthened my confidence in my research. This award reminds me of how important my science is to the community and inspires me every day to do better as a scientist. This generous help from the Donner Foundation has brought me a great sense of personal fulfillment and responsibility which have motivated me to volunteer in initiatives to fundraise and advocate for cancer research which in the coming years will help more students like me dedicated to transforming cancer care.
Congratulations toÌýPromita Ghosh for receiving the prestigious 2022 Donner Foundation Studentship and thank you to the Donner Foundation for funding cancer research through their generous donations.