Our mission
The INHERIT (Investigating Hereditary Risk in Thoracic Cancers) Study aims to better understand the genetic risk, or predisposition, for developing lung cancer—and to learn more about the lung cancers that develop in people who may have inherited risk. This includes studying lung cancer that runs in families and investigating genetic, as well as environmental factors and how these may interact. We hope this information will ultimately improve lung cancer screening, prevention, and treatment. This study is being conducted in partnership with Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and GO2 for Lung Cancer and Addario Lung Cancer Medical Institute (ALCMI).
Join us
Join the INHERIT Study to help us better understand the genetic risk for lung cancer, and what can be done for prevention and treatment.
Our goals are to learn more about:
- Inherited or genetic risk for developing lung cancer in certain people or families
- Changes in lung cancer tumors in people with increased genetic risk
- Ways to better predict lung cancer risk for certain groups of people
Genetic risk for lung cancer
The INHERIT study builds on prior research to further understand the genetic risk and predispositions for developing lung cancer. We know that lung cancer can run in families or develop in people at early ages and without exposure to tobacco products. Some patients may have underlying genetic changes (or mutations) present at birth that put them at higher risk of developing lung cancer. These genetic changes may have been inherited from one or both parents.
This study aims to investigate potential genetic predisposition to lung cancer, including ways to predict lung cancer risk over time. By gathering genetic information from people who may have certain inherited mutations—for example, those in the gene EGFR— we can better understand genetic causes of certain types of lung cancer.
A family affair
Lung cancer can run in families, with multiple family members or generations of people affected. Families that have more than one case of lung cancer may have an inherited predisposition for lung cancer. The INHERIT Study is seeking families like this to participate and help discover the basis for inherited lung cancer. Our study provides free genetic testing, results, and expert education and counseling for participants and any of their family members.
By looking at the genetic makeup of families with inherited lung cancer, we may be able to find mutations responsible for cancer risk. This information will help improve lung cancer screening, prevention, and treatment. Please see our FAQ section for sources of support.
Funding
The INHERIT Study is funded by private and public grants.
