EGFR Resisters/LUNGevity Funds Local CAR T as a Novel Therapeutic Strategy for CNS Progression in NSCLC

*December 2025*

More than half of patients with EGFR-positive non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) will eventually develop central nervous system (CNS) metastases. Dr. Brea and his research team have already engineered a potent CAR-T cell therapy that targets TROP-2, a protein commonly found on EGFR-positive lung cancer cells and on some healthy cells. To improve treatment specificity and avoid damage to healthy tissue, the researchers aim to improve this approach in two ways. First, they will introduce the CAR-T treatment directly into the CNS tumor site, to reduce contact with healthy tissue expressing TROP-2. The second method is to genetically modify the CAR-T cells to limit their ability to enter healthy epithelial tissue. If successful, this research will revolutionize the way we treat CNS in patients with EGFR-positive lung cancer.

“For many people living with EGFR-positive lung cancer, brain metastasis is one of the most feared and frustrating unmet needs in our community,” said Jill Feldman, co-founder of EGFR Resisters, a patient advocacy group dedicated to improving outcomes for people living with EGFR-positive lung cancer. “That’s why Dr. Brea’s research is so meaningful. His innovative research brings hope for better, more effective CNS treatments. We are proud to partner with LUNGevity to fund this vital work.”