Meet Jianjun Zhang, M.D., Ph.D.
Lung Cancer Interception Program
Jianjun Zhang, M.D., Ph.D.
Program Director
The MD Anderson Lung Cancer Interception Program is a pioneering initiative dedicated to preventing lung cancer before it takes hold. We leverage cutting-edge research and a multidisciplinary team to identify and intercept pre-cancerous lesions, ultimately aiming to transform lung cancer care.
The Challenge: Early Detection and the Need for Interception
Advancements in lung cancer screening have led to the detection of more indeterminate pulmonary nodules (IPNs), which may develop into lung cancer. However, surgical removal of these nodules can be expensive and challenging when dealing with multiple lesions. Traditional chemoprevention efforts haven't yielded significant results due to limited knowledge of pre-cancerous biology.
Can lung cancer be stopped before it starts?
Lung cancer is by far the leading cause of cancer death. Each year, more people die of lung cancer than of colorectal, breast and...
Our Approach
Leveraging Scientific Discoveries for Interception
Our program builds upon a decade of research led by MD Anderson faculty. We've discovered that pre-cancerous lesions have a simpler molecular makeup compared to invasive lung cancer and exhibit a more active immune response. This presents a unique opportunity for interception. By reprogramming the immune system to target these pre-cancerous lesions, we aim to prevent them from progressing into full-blown lung cancer.
We are revolutionizing lung cancer care through interception in three major ways:
- Building a World-Class Interception Program: We're assembling a team of experts to develop refined protocols and lead future clinical trials
- Developing Precision Interception Strategies: Our multidisciplinary team will identify biomarkers and therapeutic targets through advanced analysis and preclinical studies
- Empowering the Next Generation: We're committed to mentoring and training the future leaders of lung cancer interception research
A future without lung cancer
We envision ourselves as the global leader in lung cancer interception research and clinical care. By drawing on the valuable experience from past trials like Can-Prevent-Lung and IMPRINT-Lung, we strive to pave the way for a future where lung cancer is intercepted and prevented entirely.
