The ROS1ders Announces Recipients of the 2025 ROS1+ Cancer Innovation Award
The Californer/10333401

SACRAMENTO, Calif. - Californer -- The ROS1ders, a global group of patients and caregivers living with ROS1+ cancer, announced the recipient of the 2025 ROS1+ Cancer Innovation Award. Funds for the awards were raised through individual contributions to The ROS1ders by patients and supporters. This award carries a two-year, $150,000 seed grant to fund high-risk, high-reward research projects in ROS1+ cancer.

Principal Investigators
Monika A. Davare, PhD (Oregon Health & Science University) and Alexander Drilon. MD (Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center)

Project
Orthogonal targeting of the tumor surface proteome in ROS1+ cancers
This study will build the most complete map yet of the proteins displayed on the surface of ROS1 tumor cells using patient samples and laboratory models

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"Today's ROS1+ cancer community is grateful to be the first generation whose lives are extended by years thanks to biomarker testing and targeted therapy," said Janet Freeman-Daily, co-founder and president of The ROS1ders. "However, the currently approved drugs don't work well for everyone. Our patient-driven organization aims to encourage more researchers to study our disease, develop effective treatments, and share their results through open science best practices."

About The ROS1ders

The ROS1ders is the largest global group of patients and family members living with ROS1+ cancer.  It seeks to improve outcomes for all ROS1+ cancers through community, education, and research. Membership in their private Facebook group exceeds 1400 people from over 50 countries.  The nonprofit is internationally recognized in the oncology and patient advocacy communities as experts in their disease. Its resources include a medically-vetted website and collaborations with international ROS1+ clinicians, researchers and industry.  Please visit theros1ders.org to learn more.

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About ROS1+ Cancer

• ROS1+ cancer is relatively rare, occurring in just 1-2% of non-small cell lung cancer. The incidence is thought to be similar in other types of cancer.
• Biomarker testing for ROS1 fusions is recommended in guidelines for non-small cell lung cancer, but few other cancers.
• Patients typically have adenocarcinoma NSCLC, a younger age than the average NSCLC patient, and no smoking history (a smoking history should not exclude patients from biomarker testing or targeted therapies).
• Oral targeted therapies are the recommended first-line treatment for metastatic ROS1+ NSCLC and have increased the survival of patients by years.  However, these drugs eventually stop working due to acquired resistance. The mechanisms of resistance are not well understood.