Research at MD Anderson Cancer Center

We are not just advancing research — we are accelerating Hope.


Today's research is moving beyond a one-size-fits-all treatment toward therapies tailored to each patient's unique cancer biology, improving survival and quality of life. Rexanna's Foundation is committed to accelerating these breakthroughs — funding research that changes what is possible.

$1M+Directly Funded at MD Anderson
$20M+Larger Grants Generated
20×Seed Funding Return
30+Research Grants Awarded

The future of lung cancer care begins with where we focus today.

Why Research Matters

Seed Grants That
Multiply Impact

There is good news in the advancement of lung cancer research. New treatments are being discovered that can be used alone, before, after, or in combination with traditional chemotherapy, radiation, and surgery.

To date Rexanna's Foundation has given over $1 million dollars to targeted research projects within the Thoracic Department of The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center. Funding from Rexanna’s Foundation has enabled the thoracic team to generate over $20M in additional grant funding. .

Rexanna's Foundation is advancing research that:
1
Transforms outcomes for patients with brain metastasis
2
Detects cancer earlier to save more lives
3
Personalizes treatment through the power of biology and innovation.
Seed Funding Impact
20×
return — seed grants at MD Anderson have generated 20× in larger research funding
2025 Funded Research Total: $600,000
Dr. Zhang, Dr. Heymach, Dr. Vaishnavi
Lance Bertrand Grant
Pre-Cancer & Environmental Exposures Research
Dr. Zhang, Dr. Heymach, & Dr. Vaishnavi

Targeting IL-1α for Interception of KRAS-Driven Lung Pre-Cancer / Combined with Elucidating the Molecular Mechanisms of Sexual Dimorphism in Lung Cancer following Environmental Exposures.

Dr. Gibbons & Dr. Kundu
Rexanna's General Fund
KRAS-Inhibitor Resistant NSCLC Treatment Research
Dr. Gibbons & Dr. Kundu

Investigating the mechanisms of treatment resistance and therapeutic vulnerability of brain metastases in KRAS-inhibitor resistant non-small cell lung cancer.

Dr. Wu, Dr. Heymach & Dr. Zhang
Pamela Henicke Grant
AI-Powered Digital Twin Framework
Dr. Wu, Dr. Heymach & Dr. Zhang

Optimizing Lung Cancer Treatment using artificial intelligence. Matching grant gift provided by Rusty Rush.

Dr. Singhi & Dr. Antonoff
Victor Elias Grant
MD Anderson Young-Onset Lung Cancer Program
Dr. Singhi & Dr. Antonoff

Survivorship through the MD Anderson Young-Onset Lung Cancer (YOLC) Program: Promoting Wellness, Surveillance, and Long-term Health.

Dr. Cascone
Tamra Hissom Budd Grant
B-to-T Cell Interactions with Immunotherapy
Dr. Cascone

Elucidating how B-to-T Cell Interactions Shape the Response of Early-Stage Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer to Immunotherapy.

Dr. Heeke & Dr. Le
Lance Bertrand Grant
Transcriptional Events in EGFR-Driven Lung Cancer Resistance
Dr. Heeke & Dr. Le

Prediction and Biomarker Identification in Tissue and Liquid Biopsies for EGFR-driven resistance mechanisms.

Drew Deniger & Alexandre Reuben
Bruce Campbell Grant
Engineered T Cell Designs for Drug-Resistant Lung Cancers
Drew C. Deniger & Alexandre Reuben

Innovative engineered T cell therapy with 21 validated T cell receptors showing in vitro tumor-killing efficacy, building toward Phase I clinical trials at MD Anderson.

David Molkentine
Pamela Henicke Grant
ALK Fusion Resistance Mutations & Inhibitor Efficacy
David Molkentine, BS — Thoracic H&N Medical Oncology, MDACC

Characterizing ALK fusion resistant mutations to predict efficacy to current and next generation ALK inhibitors, providing a treatment roadmap for clinicians.

Our Research Creates Lasting Impact

Every grant awarded fuels discoveries that reach far beyond the lab — shaping treatments, saving lives, and honoring Rexanna's legacy one breakthrough at a time.

$1M+Funded at R AT THE UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS MD ANDERSON
$20M+Follow-On Grants Generated
8Active 2025 Projects
18+Years of Fighting
Support the Research
Give Today

Your Gift Funds the
Next Breakthrough

Every dollar goes directly to lung cancer research at MD Anderson. Your contribution helps accelerate life-saving discoveries, fund innovative treatments, and create hope for families fighting lung cancer.

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Research Impact Highlights
$1M+ Directly FundedSupporting groundbreaking lung cancer research at MD Anderson Cancer Center.
$20M+ GeneratedSeed grants helping researchers secure larger national funding opportunities.
Patient-Focused ResearchFunding projects that improve survivorship, treatment response, and quality of life.
Legacy of HopeContinuing Rexanna’s mission through compassion, advocacy, and research innovation.

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