Developing safer drugs to target cancer by inhibiting Hsp90

Engineering the Next Generation of Safer Hsp90 Inhibitors

NIH-funded research University of Notre Dame · NIH-11009070

This study is working on new treatments for cancer by finding ways to block a protein called Hsp90 that helps cancer cells grow, with the hope of making these treatments safer and more effective for patients.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Notre Dame NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Notre Dame, United States)
Project IDNIH-11009070 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research focuses on creating new inhibitors for a protein called Hsp90, which plays a crucial role in cancer cell growth. By targeting Hsp90, the goal is to disrupt multiple cancer signaling pathways simultaneously, potentially leading to more effective cancer treatments. The researchers aim to optimize these inhibitors to avoid the toxic side effects seen in previous treatments, ensuring they do not increase Hsp90 levels in patients. The project includes preclinical studies to evaluate the best candidates for future clinical trials.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with various types of cancer who may benefit from new treatment options.

Not a fit: Patients who are not currently undergoing cancer treatment or those with non-cancerous conditions may not receive any benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to safer and more effective cancer therapies that minimize side effects for patients.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promise in targeting Hsp90, but this approach aims to improve upon earlier methods that faced significant challenges.

Where this research is happening

Notre Dame, 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 therapyanticancer activity
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.