Creating new cancer treatments that target a specific cell death pathway.

Development of anti-cancer probes targeting ferroptosis pathway

NIH-funded research University of Massachusetts Amherst · NIH-11041445

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 typeR03 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Massachusetts Amherst NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Hadley, United States)
Project IDNIH-11041445 on NIH RePORTER

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.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are patients with non-small cell lung cancer or other cancers that have shown resistance to conventional chemotherapy.

Not a fit: Patients with cancers that are not resistant to traditional treatments may not benefit from this research.

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 performed: 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

Hadley, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Conditions anti-canceranti-cancer therapy
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.