A new way to treat lung cancer by using a drug that targets a specific protein to cause cancer cell death
Targeting cytoplasmic SET oncoprotein by sphingolipid analog drugs for the induction of necroptosis to treat lung cancer
This research explores a new strategy to treat non-small cell lung cancer by using a modified drug to activate a natural process that kills cancer cells.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Medical University of South Carolina NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Charleston, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11121091 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Non-small cell lung cancer remains a very challenging disease, and we are looking for new ways to help patients. This project focuses on a drug called FTY720, which is already approved for multiple sclerosis, but we've found it also has anti-cancer effects. We believe FTY720 works by directly attaching to a protein called SET, which is often found in high amounts in lung cancer cells. By binding to SET, FTY720 helps activate another protein, PP2A, which then triggers a specific type of cell death in cancer cells, potentially offering a new treatment approach.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This foundational research is not yet recruiting patients, but future studies would likely focus on individuals with non-small cell lung cancer.
Not a fit: Patients without non-small cell lung cancer would not directly benefit from this specific treatment approach.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to a new treatment option for patients with non-small cell lung cancer by targeting a specific weakness in cancer cells.
How similar studies have performed: FTY720 is an approved drug for multiple sclerosis, but its specific mechanism of causing cancer cell death by targeting the SET protein is a novel area of investigation.
Where this research is happening
Charleston, United States
- Medical University of South Carolina — Charleston, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Ogretmen, Besim — Medical University of South Carolina
- Study coordinator: Ogretmen, Besim
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.