Creating new cancer treatments that target a specific cell death pathway.
Official title: Development of anti-cancer probes targeting ferroptosis pathway
Funded at University of Massachusetts Amherst · NIH-11041445 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is exploring a new treatment for cancer that works differently than usual methods by using a special compound called TKD1079 to help kill cancer cells while protecting healthy ones, especially for tough cases like non-small cell lung cancer.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R03 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Massachusetts Amherst NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Hadley, United States) |
| Project start | February 1, 2025 |
| Project end | January 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $81,041 |
| NIH project number | 1R03CA289556-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11041445 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are patients with non-small cell lung cancer or other cancers that have shown resistance to conventional chemotherapy.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with cancers that are not resistant to traditional treatments may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing new anti-cancer therapies that target a process called ferroptosis, which is a type of cell death distinct from the traditional apoptosis targeted by most cancer treatments. The researchers are working on a compound named TKD1079, which has shown promise in inducing ferroptosis in certain cancer cell lines while sparing healthy cells. By using a two-stage screening approach, they aim to enhance the effectiveness of this compound and its analogs, particularly for hard-to-treat cancers like non-small cell lung cancer. This innovative approach could potentially overcome resistance to conventional chemotherapy.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective treatments for patients with cancers that are resistant to standard therapies.
How similar studies have gone: While targeting ferroptosis is a relatively novel approach, preliminary studies have shown promise in similar strategies for overcoming cancer treatment resistance.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Massachusetts Amherst
Hadley, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Skouta, Rachid — University of Massachusetts Amherst
- Study coordinator: Skouta, Rachid
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.