INHERIT Study

ALCMI is collaborating with the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute (Dana-Farber), and GO2 for Lung Cancer (GO2) to expand on earlier clinical research that identified one specific inherited genetic mutation in the EGFR gene. This finding proved families that carried this mutation have a higher risk for developing lung cancer.

The problem: discovering the origin of lung cancer in families

Genetic risk in other cancers such as breast, ovarian, and colon, have been well studied, but much less is known about lung cancer. We want to change that with INHERIT. This exciting work is part of GO2’s broader multi-year research program called our “Origins Initiative,” which seeks to discover the true origins of lung cancer that will transform survivorship among families and populations.

The INHERIT study

The first phase of this research tracked one gene, EGFR, and a subset called T790m mutation. INHERIT will expand the research pool to include many more lung cancer genetic mutations, such as ALK+, ROS1, and KRAS, and enroll many more families.

We will track participants over a period of time to monitor for any sign of a lung cancer genetic mutation and whether this mutation could be inherited from one or both parents.

Continuing to examine other genetic mutations found in lung cancer and whether these mutations are also being passed on within families will help expand our knowledge of who could be at higher risk and pave the way for improvements in earlier detection and increase the number of targeted and personalized treatments. In addition, by gathering genetic information from more people who may have more novel markers, we can better understand inherited lung cancer risk with the goal of improving screening, prevention, and treatment.

How can you help?

We cannot succeed without you! If you have a family history of lung cancer, you may be able to help us discover the origins of inherited lung cancer. Together, we can transform survivorship for our community!

Learn more about participating in the INHERIT study.
Learn about the first INHERIT study, GO2’s landmark research study that identified an inherited risk for lung cancer.
Download the INHERIT study flyer to share with others.
Find other research studies and learn more about GO2’s research program.

Partner roles

Each INHERIT partner plays an essential and interconnected role in supporting this research.

GO2 provides input on the trial design from the patient’s experience, elevates awareness of the trial among the lung cancer community, and helps navigate people and their families to the enrollment process.
Dana-Farber serves as the primary conductor of the clinical protocol, performs all data analysis, and stores biomedical samples at its institutional biorepository.
ALCMI provides Dana-Farber technical and management services, supports the clinical trial protocol, and serves as a biobank for future research on any remnant specimens that are available post-study from Dana-Farber.

This study is a collaboration between GO2 for Lung Cancer, the Addario Lung Cancer Medical Institute (ALCMI), and Dana-Farber Cancer Institute (DFCI).