The Bivona Lab engages in studies linking the bench with the bedside that investigate the molecular pathogenesis of human cancers, with a primary focus on lung cancer (e.g. please see Bivona TG, et al Nature 471, 523-526, 24 March 2011). Our objective is to enhance responses in patients to treatments that target aberrant signal transduction pathways that drive tumor growth. We use emerging, multidisciplinary, and integrative functional genomics methodologies, highly relevant cell line and tumor model systems, and appropriate human tumor specimens to design novel, rational therapeutic strategies and to translate our findings into clinical applications. Our laboratory investigations often lead to clinical trials testing novel, molecularly-targeted cancer therapies that are aimed at improving the survival of genetically-defined subsets of patients with lung and other lethal cancers.